Sodium cyanide, which can pose a serious health risk, is discovered in the canal in Walsall.
People are being urged to avoid the canal and towpaths between Walsall and BirminghamMembers of the public have been warned to avoid a 12 mile stretch of the canal and towpaths from the Walsall lock flight to the lock flights at Rushall/Ryders Green and Perry Barr.He said: "We understand your alarm, of course we want to do all we can to take the right precautionary measures to protect individuals.
Sodium cyanide dissolves in water and can have serious adverse health effects for those who come into direct physical contact with it, stressed the council. Mr Perry said there would be an ongoing investigation into the spill, with regular updates through the day each day as more information became available.
Precautionary measures would be reduced as soon as the impact was clearer, and it was known what needed to be done to make the canal and surrounding towpaths safe, the leader added."I think is disgusting, there ought to be big fines," said one resident, who added he wanted to see those responsible pay for the damage to the environment.
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