WWF raises fears over BP's water clean-up plans

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has called for BP to abandon its latest North Sea drilling projects, after the fuel giant revealed detailed water clean-up contingency plans.

Bosses at BP have suggested that the worst case scenario could see 75,000 barrels of oil leaked every day for 140 days, which would represent the world's biggest pollution disaster.

WWF Scotland director Dr Richard Dixon believes the oil exploration work is simply not worth the potential damage that could be caused to the fishing trade, wildlife and tourism.

The company will drill to the west of Shetland and Mr Dixon said the spill from the Gannet Alpha platform involving Shell in August highlights the potential for a significant leak.

He also believes the likes of BP should be looking to concentrate on more renewable energy sources.

"Instead of continuing to feed the massive profits of the oil industry, we need a proper plan to wean the country off its oil dependency," he commented.

BP has confirmed that the government has granted permission for work on the £4.5 billion Clair Ridge project to start in the North Sea.

Posted by Claire Manning