Hopes rise that Cleethorpes Country Park oil spill might prove less harmful than originally feared

                                                                  

Bearing up but missing its mate - one of the plumage-damaged swans 

THERE are rising hopes today that the  oil spill in Cleethorpes Country Park earlier this week will have less impact than at first feared.

An absorbent boom seems to be preventing the migration of the contaminant from the Buck Beck into the lake.

Tufted Ducks, Coots, Mallards, a Cormorant  and at least one  Great Crested Grebe were among the birds apparently unaffected and feeding normally at mid-morning.

Even one of the plumage-contaminated Mute Swans seemed to be feeding and drinking well  though the fate of its mate, unseen this morning, is unclear.  The hope is that has been taken in for treatment and temporary care by Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue.

It is not known yet what sort of oil entered the water, nor who might have been responsible. 

                                             

The absorbent boom which is containing the oil slick