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'Oil spill from bus' at St Andrews Lakes, Halling, the day before new attraction opened

The launch of a new water park was nearly marred by an oil spillage.

St Andrews Water Sports opened to the public at Halling Lakes near Rochester on Saturday but pictures show a waste tanker on the shore apparently sucking up spilled oil the day before.

Tanker apparently cleaning up an oil spill at St Andrews Lakes, Halling, near Rochester. Picture: Simon Ainsworth
Tanker apparently cleaning up an oil spill at St Andrews Lakes, Halling, near Rochester. Picture: Simon Ainsworth

Simon Ainsworth said: "A double-decker bus was being added as an attraction for scuba divers but had not been properly cleaned. I understand diesel leaked from its fuel tank leading to a spillage."

He added: "My main concern is that water is taken from this lake by the water board. The lake is also used for many other water sports. I assume some sort of test must be conducted to ensure the water is safe otherwise it will have a detrimental effect on the wildlife and anyone taking part in any watersports activity at the site?"

The "minor spillage" was reported to the Environment Agency by Southern Scuba. Lake-users were told there had been "no effect to its surroundings or people's safety." Both Southern Scuba and St Andrews Water Sports declined to comment.

The lakes now boast 12 new inflatable attractions of ramps for all the family.

They include the Thunderdome, Overpass, Subway, Lugeback, Quarterback and Freefall Extreme. Fifty-minute sessions cost £20 per person but are limited to 30 at a time because of the coronavirus pandemic restrictions.

The aqua park at St Andrews Lakes opened on Saturday. Picture: Aquaglide Aquaparks
The aqua park at St Andrews Lakes opened on Saturday. Picture: Aquaglide Aquaparks
The aqua park at St Andrews Lakes opened on Saturday. Picture: Aquaglide Aquaparks
The aqua park at St Andrews Lakes opened on Saturday. Picture: Aquaglide Aquaparks

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