Pollution warning at Downs Banks

People have been urged to stay out of the stream at Downs Banks after a pollution warning was issued on Friday 11th January.

The stream at the Barlaston National Trust beauty spot is a popular place for children and dogs to go for a splash. But pollution warning signs state that “organic waste from a source beyond Downs Banks has polluted the stream”.

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It goes on: “You are advised to stay out of the stream and to keep dogs on leads near the stream and prevent children and dogs from entering the water.”

A post on the Downs Banks Facebook page added just before 7pm: “Sorry to say that earlier reports of pollution in the stream have been confirmed and there is organic waste in the water. Wildlife does not appear to have been affected but you are advised to keep people and dogs out of the brook for the time being.”

UPDATE: MONDAY 14TH JANUARY, 12PM

Update from the National Trust at the Downs: “The stream is looking cleaner and clearer this morning. We have spoken to the Environment Agency who are now intending to visit tomorrow. If the contamination is running into the brook with surface water, tests tomorrow may provide more useful results. Until we know more we continue to advise keeping people and dogs out of the water.”

UPDATE: SATURDAY 12TH JANUARY, 9.15AM

Update from the National Trust at the Downs: “At present the pollution level appears to be fading. Yesterday evening there was a smell of manure downstream of the stepping stones but upstream of there it would appear that most contaminated water has washed through. The Environment Agency’s tests appear to back this up. There do not appear to be any fish deaths but this may also be because summer floods washed many of the larger fish out of the Downs and towards the Trent or it may be that high water levels diluted pollution and maintained oxygen levels in the water. The greatest danger to the stream will be if further rains wash more contaminants into the water. The EA intend to carry out more tests on Monday and I shall be checking the stream over the weekend.”