THE Environment Agency is under fire over its handling of a diesel spillage at a beauty spot.

Almost eight weeks have passed since a 250-litre red diesel tank leaked its contents into a lake at Cotswold Water Park a popular location for Swindon day-trippers.

But it is claimed dead swans and diesel-saturated birds are still being washed up.

The Environment Agency, which is responsible for maintaining the UK's waterways, described the spillage as a minor incident and allowed the construction firm responsible, PD Edenhall, to co-ordinate the clean-up operation.

But Paul Richardson, the manager of the Cirencester-based Cotswold Swan and Wild Bird Rescue, says The Environment Agency should have seized control immediately.

He said: "What they describe as a minor spillage has endangered wildlife. The agency's handling of this whole affair has been diabolical.

"Less than a week ago I was called out as a result of a washed up swan found dead on the bank.

"I believe there may be others,which have died too.

"I have also seen birds washed up with the diesel all over their feathers.

"When birds preen themselves they swallow some of the water.

"The chemicals inside the diesel also strips the waterproof layer off their feathers. They then get cold and wet and are at risk of getting hypothermia."

David Bowen-Jones, the owner of Keuka Water-ski club on Lake 106 between Fairford and Lechlade, disputes the figures issued by the Environment Agency and believes as much as 500 litres of diesel were spilled.

He said: "To call this a minor incident is ridiculous.

"Our worry is that the diesel will leak from the lake which neighbours ours and into the surrounding area."

Chris Mitchell, a spokesman for the Environment Agency, said: "We believe this incident has had a limited impact on the environment.

"Our figures show 250 litres leaked out.

"Of that, 200 litres were recovered in the bund that surrounds the tank.

"Officers have been down to the site on a number of occasions and we have not seen evidence of birds being washed up."

Ian Browning, a spokesman for PD Edenhall, said the spillage occurred after a gauge broke away from its bracket on the tank during a storm.

So far, he claims more than £3,500 and 120 man hours have been spent on the clean-up operation.

"We are a responsible company and I am not aware of this ever happening before," he said.

"As soon as the incident was reported to us we contacted the Environment Agency and it is satisfied with our work.

"For several weeks we inspected the site twice a day and now we are carrying out daily monitoring.

"Obviously we are concerned about the news a swan has died but we are not being given sufficient information."