CONCERNS have been raised about potential environmental impacts after a tractor became stuck in Walney Channel.

The tractor was trapped on Saturday evening - sparking concerns that fuel from the tractor would cause damage to marine life.

One resident who walks his dog near to where the tractor was found highlighted the ‘strong smell of diesel’ coming from the tractor and also spotted fuel leaking into the channel.

The tractor was only able to be removed yesterday despite the efforts of both the Furness Coastguard and members of the Barrow Island Boat Club.

Furness Coastguard were called on Sunday evening to assist providing safety cover while members of Barrow Island Boat Club provided marker buoys and placed them around the obstruction close to their slipway.

A spokesman from Furness Coastguard thanked members of the club for their assistance.

Helen Wall, Barrow councillor and official spokesperson for wildlife, said: “These accidents are going to happen but it is just very upsetting to think such disasters will impact on our marine life.

“Such areas are vulnerable to pollution and our marine life is so important and so special and many seabirds are also found in the area.

"If fuel has leaked into the channel it will take a long time for wildlife to recover.”