Oil-covered swans rescued from lake in Telford

The RSPCA rescued three swans from Holmer Lake, in Stirchley, after members of the public reported they were struggling to swim.

Inspectors from the animal welfare charity attended the lake for an attempted rescue.

Crews used a rescue boat to try and capture the swans, but had to leave due to shallow water stopping the boat.

Inspectors returned the following day and used food to tempt the swans out of the lake where they could be safely retrieved.

The swans have been taken to the RSPCA's Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre where they will be cleaned and the oil removed before they are returned to their local habitat.

David McCartney, one of the inspectors who helped rescue the swans, said: "The swans were covered in oil which affects their movement.

"We were also concerned that they might ingest it, but they are now recovering well and will be released soon.

Devastating

"We would always appeal to people to think carefully about their actions, and that they should not dump oil in this way as it can have devastating consequences for wildlife."

Following the rescue, the Environment Agency say it is believed the spill in the lake had come from someone not disposing of oil properly.

A spokesman from the agency said they believe someone dumped the oil in the surface water system and the heavy rain at the time washed it into the lake.

"We would urge people to properly dispose of oil to avoid damaging the environment and there are three household waste sites nearby where they can do this," he said.

The nearest recycling site to Holmer lake is Halesfield Community Recycling Centre, less than two miles away.

The rescue happened last week, but details have only just been released.