Attempts to rescue oil-covered birds will continue

Rescuers say they will continue to try and capture a pair of swans that have been covered in oil at a beauty spot.

Members of Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue have been attending the town's Country Park this week after reports of pollution in the water but have been unable to help the birds, admitting rescue attempts were proving difficult.

Aaron Goss, from the charity, said: "Once you've had one attempt at catching them, for a good few hours they're not coming back up to you again and on as large a lake as Cleethorpes Country Park that's a big problem."

Goss also urged people not to leave bread in the park as it could soak up remaining oil and be ingested by the wildlife.

"Please don't feed the swans, let us feed them because if we can make that bird slightly hungrier it gives us a good chance of capturing them and getting the help they need," he added.

The charity said after unsuccessful attempts during the day on Wednesday, a further attempt was made during the evening under low light, adding: "This has been one of our closest attempts so far, but unfortunately, it still ended without a successful capture."

North East Lincolnshire Council said workers had found a pair of gloves and an empty bottle, which they believe contained oil.

The authority has installed absorbent booms in the lake to soak up any remaining oil and said it would work with the Environment Agency to understand the longer-term impact.

Council officials also issued a plea to people to respect the parkland and be respectful of the area's wildlife.

Commenting on the oil spill, Wolds ward councillor Henry Hudson said: "This is frankly unacceptable in every sense of the word.

"Not only is this disrespecting the beautiful open spaces that our borough offers, but it's also putting the animals there in danger."

Park users have expressed their anger over the impact it could have on the nesting bird population.

Jean Johnson, who regularly visits and feeds the swans, said: "I think it's disgusting, how could anybody do that?"

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