THE swift action of volunteers helped to advert a wildlife disaster on the Stourbridge Canal after an oil spillage last night.

Dedicated volunteers from environmental group Razza Rats swung into action after it was reported that diesel had been dumped in the waterway near Wordsley Basin.

Volunteers rushed to the scene and water company Severn Trent donated booms and pads to help soak up and contain the oil - believed to be from just a 5-litre bottle.

Thankfully their efforts were just in time and two swans that were thought to be affected survived the ordeal and have been reported to be safe and well.

It’s believed a few small fish may have been casualties but the incident “could have been a lot worse if not for the rapid response by locals and the authorities” Razza Rats said on their Facebook page.

Volunteer and founder of the environmental group Carly Walker thanked all those who helped and said: “With incidents like this, especially on a canal, time is so precious.”

The incident is the third spillage in the Dudley borough in weeks which has seen Razza Rats rush to the rescue.

Last week we reported on how a devastating spill at Bumble Hole Nature Reserve, which happened on December 29 and killed a number of small fish, five ducks and a goose, has cost the taxpayer around £25,000.

Razza Rats have also been helping after a diesel spillage discovered on January 10 at the Park Head canal basin in Dudley where more than half a dozen dead pike and perch were found dead.