Council reassures public over fears of river pollution

A town council has assured residents that cleaning products used in the town centre pose no risk to the environment.

Residents raised concerns the chemical used by Thetford Town Council workers would harm the environment. Picture: Sean Reading - Credit: Archant

Concerns were raised after council workers were seen cleaning a paint spill on the high street using Arco Lemon Gel, with the water used then being poured into the River Thet.

Concerned resident Sean Ready said: “What a sad day for our river. All of this chemical, paint and dirty water was flowing into the storm drain that flows directly into the river.”

In high quantities this can be harmful to the environment, but the council said only a trace was used.

A spokesman said: “The workers used a diluted solution with 100ml of the product in 500 litres of water.

“The council makes sure that a risk assessment is carried out before every job. The council is now working on a new environment policy to guarantee that all products are safe, sustainable and do not pose a risk.”