A CLEANING operation to remove hydraulic oil which leaked onto a pavement in Abberley, near Stourport-on-Severn, is set to finish today.

On Friday we reported a recycling truck, owned by Malvern Hills District Council, had broken down in the village spilling fluid onto the pavement.

Alex Bill, operations manager at Malvern Hills District Council, said: "Unfortunately an issue with the hydraulic hose on one of our refuse collection vehicles caused several litres of hydraulic oil to leak onto the carriageway.

"Absorbent granules were immediately applied to the site and more were brought in along with sand and cement dust donated by a local builder to help contain the spill.

"A road sweeper was then sent out to sweep the site and on Monday a sweeper with pressure washing and detergent spraying facilities will be sent out to complete the cleaning process.

“The vehicle has been recovered and is being assessed to determine the cause of the fault. We apologise for any inconvenience caused."

Speaking on Friday, Resident Phil Blakemore, 68, from The Village, said: "Vehicles can get round but they have had to put sand down and cat litter down to try and soak it [the liquid] up.

"The locals are chipping in and giving cups of tea to the drivers. I gave them a tray of tea this morning as well.

"It is not having any impact because they managed to park it on the square so vehicles can get past it. I think they have lost pretty much all their hydraulic oil in the vehicle."