The pollution of a treasured beauty spot which reportedly occurred when a nearby house was being steam-cleaned is being investigated by the Environment Agency.

It follows what is said to be paint dust and debris getting into the much-loved Stonebridge Pond in Faversham, which turned the water a milky white colour.

It sparked fears for its wildlife and ecology - though experts do not believe it has caused an “environmental disaster”.

The source of the pollution, which appeared on Monday, has been identified as coming from a neighbouring property, the exterior of which was being steam-cleaned at the time.

The incident is said to have left the homeowner “mortified” and he has now stopped work on his house.

The brook and pond are designated local green spaces in the town, providing an important green route through west Faversham.

It is also a local beauty spot where families have fed the ducks and waterfowl for generations.

Among those concerned are the Friends of the Westbrook and Stonebridge Pond, a group which works tirelessly to keep it clean of litter and enhance the banks with planting and a wildflower meadow.

They were given a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2022 and are passionate about caring for it.

Chairman Matthew Hatchwell says it was an accidental incident but the Friends are relieved it does not appear to have caused any lasting harm to the pond.

“I have spoken to the owner of the house who is mortified by what happened because he cares very deeply about the pond and wildlife,” Mr Hatchwell said.

“He believed all due diligence had been done to prevent any pollution and has now stopped the work on his property.

“We are just relieved the paint dust and debris does not appear to have caused any significant damage to the pond or wildlife and has largely dissipated, helped by some heavy rainfall.

“But we do have wider concerns about the silting up of the pond and how that might be addressed in the future.”

Swale Borough Council, which owns Stonebridge Pond, alerted the Environment Agency.

A spokesman for the agency says officers have visited the pond but “do not believe it has caused an environmental disaster”.

“There doesn’t seem to be an impact on the wildlife, like dead fish or birds, but we will know more in a few days,” he added.