A picturesque burn in an Aberdeenshire park has been transformed into an “open sewer” after its waters became polluted.
The stream running through Westhill’s Denman Park is kicking up a stink among locals, many of whom use the green space for recreation.
Local man, Colin Rawlinson, said the contamination was coming from a unit at the Westhill Shopping Centre, just north of the park.
He fears the pollution problems, which are giving off a fetid odour, could deter people from visiting the spot and have a detrimental impact on wildlife.
Businessman and former oil and gas recruiter, Mr Rawlinson, 65, uses the park and described the watercourse as “an open sewer”.
He added: “In the middle of the park, there is what should be an attractive burn. It is covered in brown stuff on the surface and, when it’s not running, the stench is all over the park.
“It’s all over the surface of the water. Nobody’s doing anything about it.
“One of the ponds is silting up with sewage. When the water is flowing, you don’t get it so bad. I just noticed the smell was so strong.
“It is coming from a particular Westhill shop. It is very sad. A friend was up from Edinburgh recently and I took him for a walk in the park. I was frankly embarrassed.
“It is a health hazard. That park is my gym.”
An Aberdeenshire Council spokeswoman added that though it looked after the park, the burn was not within its remit. However a Scottish Environment Protection Agency spokesman confirmed it was investigating the cause of the contamination.
He said: “Sepa is aware of odour complaints in Denman Park and have been carrying out an investigation into potential pollution of the local watercourse and ponds.
“A possible source of the pollution has been identified, but further investigation is required before this can be confirmed.
“While the investigation is ongoing, Sepa officers will continue to monitor the ponds to assess what, if any, impact there has been on the environment.”
Westhill and District councillor, Ron McKail, said: “It is such a beautiful and attractive park, it is well looked after by Aberdeenshire Council officers and staff.
“I would hope some action can be taken as soon as possible to clear the pollution.”
A spokeswoman for Westhill Shopping Centre said they were aware of the issues.