Home owners are being urged to check their heating oil tanks, as prices fall due to coronavirus.

The Environment Agency is encouraging anyone with a domestic heating oil tank to check their tank is in a good state of repair before getting heating oil delivered.

This is especially important as tanks will be more full than usual through the summer months, increasing the risk of spills and leaks.

Helen Wakeham, deputy director of water quality for the Environment Agency, said: “With people storing more oil than normal over the summer months, the risk of leaks is ever greater, and the danger these pose to the environment and wildlife must not be underestimated.

“The clean-up costs of a leaking tank can also cost tens of thousands of pounds, and land contamination caused by a leak can severely affect the value of your property."

Oil is poisonous to fish and other wildlife, and can smother plants, with just two litres of oil able to seriously pollute an Olympic-size swimming pool of fresh water.

She continued: “It is vital both the tank and pipes are regularly inspected and for people to never buy more oil than they can safely store.

“If anyone does find a spill, please contact us straight away so we can reduce the impact on the environment.”

For more information, visit oilcare.org.uk