Residents at Rockwell Green, ramblers and dog walkers are ‘furious’ at possible silt pollution and habitat destruction at a local leat.

So much so the Environment Agency (EA) is investigating and believed to be taking legal advice.

Inspectors from the EA have been alerted towards works at Rackfield leat and millpond, Rockwell Green – it is feared habitats of protected species have been disturbed.

A spokesman for the EA said: “I can confirm the Environment Agency is investigating the activities of a landowner at Westford, Rockwell Green. We acknowledge the concerns of local people at the clearance of waterside vegetation by the landowner and disturbance to the leat and section of river bank.

“The investigation will focus on possible silt pollution of the nearby Westford Stream, a tributary of the River Tone, and suspected habitat destruction of protected species.’

The EA will be carrying out preliminary checks at the site in the coming week and providing an update shortly.

A nearby resident of the leat, who does not wish to be named, said: “Everyone around here and in Rockwell Green is furious with what is going on. It looks like a First World War battle field.”