Concerns Raised Over Quality of Canal Water

Residents have reported recent sightings of dirty, oily sludge and waste floating in the Grand Union Canal located along Queen’s Park stretch, raising concerns about a possible new pollution incident.

The source of the recent pollution has not yet been confirmed. However, the sightings have prompted comparisons to dirty, oily sludge and waste recently seen (photos below) with a major pollution incident in March 2024, causing a significant operation to address the aftermath of a large-scale cooking oil spill that travelled approximately six miles along the Grand Union Canal, ultimately reaching Little Venice.

Photos taken at Queen’s Park Canalside by a local resident on 26th May 2026

The clean-up was prompted by widespread contamination reported between Alperton and Little Venice, with visible oil slicks observed on the water's surface by residents, boat users, and visitors.

According to reports at the time, the pollution was believed to have originated from the deliberate disposal of cooking oil by a takeaway kitchen in Alperton. The spill caused significant environmental damage and led to the deaths of local wildlife, including swans and geese.

The incident required a substantial clean-up effort to remove oil from the waterway and reduce further harm to wildlife and the canal environment. It also raised concerns among residents and canal users about the long-term impact on the ecosystem and the costs associated with restoring the canal.

The article below from March 2024 follows the clear-up undertaken to remove the oil and waste spill which travelled six miles along the canal ending up in Little Venice.