AN investigation has been launched by both Yorkshire Water and the Environment Agency following a sewage leak at a Grimethorpe pond which killed scores of fish.

It was confirmed on January 14 that The Dell, in Grimethorpe, had been polluted - with a number of fish dying.

Stephen Hurd, the chairman of The Dell Fishing Group, told the Chronicle: “Raw sewage has managed to get into the pond and it’s resulted in a lot of fish dying.

“We don’t have the numbers as the pond has never been netted so we will never know the exact damage that has been done.

“We lost quite a few big carp in June and there must have been hundreds of seagulls just picking them off.

“It’s very frustrating and a lot of people are upset about it.

“The only thing I’m disappointed with is that every time something has happened there has never been a follow-up.

“This pond is a real gem and in my eyes is a beautiful place to walk and spend time.”

Despite the issues, Stephen has praised Yorkshire Water and the Environment Agency for their speedy work to support them.

“I must say that they were quick at getting the situation under control,” he added.

“They worked all night and then a day later they were out in force checking the pond.

“But we won’t know the damage of it all until the summer really.”

A spokesperson from the Environment Agency told the Chronicle: “Following reports from the public, Environment Agency officers attended Dell fishing pond on January 15 to investigate possible pollution at the site.

“Our officers deployed aeration equipment to raise oxygen levels in the water following assessment that there was a minor impact on the water quality.

“We continue to encourage members of the public who spot pollution, or fish in distress to call our 24/7 incident hotline on 0800 807060.”

A Yorkshire Water spokesperson added: “We attended the area after reports of a sewage escape.

“We are working closely with the Environment Agency to establish the cause and will provide an update when the investigation is complete.”