A NATURE-lover is dismayed at the repeated polluting of a brook near to where she lives.

Josie Lewis, 64, has lived in Gorse Hill most of her life and is passionate about the environment.

But she has been left horrified by the continued disposal of a white substance in a brook just a stone’s throw from her house.

She isn’t entirely sure what the substance is, but she thinks it might be industrial paint or some kind of emulsion.

Josie, astonished, said: “Somebody is regularly putting some white substance in the brook – I just don’t know why anyone would do something like that.

“It’s a real concern for the environment. It looks like paint, but it could be anything – it’s very worrying.”

Josie described the solution as emanating from the pipes that go under the road and covering the water with a white film.

Although it’s the first time Josie has seen it this year, she says the substance was dumped twice last year and she’s worried that it could become a regular depository for toxic materials.

The brook is located just off Cricklade Road, behind Gorse Hill Chinese Takeaway.

Josie said: “It’s a popular spot for dog walkers and dogs often play in the brook. Birds also drink from it and dumping this substance could be a real threat to wildlife.

“It’s very irresponsible and certainly an environmental hazard.

“Other people who live in the area have noticed it too, and I hope something can be done to deter people from doing this.”

Hoping to find out what the mysterious substance was, Josie contacted the Environment Agency who earlier this week sent a team of experts to take samples and inspect the area.

Unfortunately the agency are yet to identify it.

A spokesman said: “We are aware of the incident and our officers recently visited the site to investigate.

“We welcome reports from members of the public as this means we can take swift action to deal with potential pollution incidents.

“Residents are encouraged to keep us informed of further instances by contacting us on our free 24 hour emergency hotline on 0800 807060.”