A HAMPSHIRE beach that was hit by the Fawley refinery oil spill has been reopened.

In the last few minutes, Fareham Borough Council declared the clean up operation between Hill Head and Meon Shore a “success”.

Councillor Seán Woodward, the council leader, said: “I am delighted that the beach is now open. All agencies have worked extremely hard to mitigate the effects of the spill and get the beach back to normal as quickly as possible and people can now enjoy it again.”

Oil was discovered on the shoreline on Monday morning after 20 barrells of vacuum gas oil spilt from a pipeline at Esso’s marine terminal.

Sacks of sand and shingle have been taken to the refinery to be cleaned. The material will then be assessed to see whether it can be returned to the beach.

Shellfish beds off the Fareham coast remain closed whilst tests are carried to establish whether they pose a health risk.

The ban will still in place until the test results are returned next week.

Monitoring of the marine and shoreline environment will also continue over the next few days to ensure no further traces of oil are found.

Anyone who spots oil on the shore should telephone either Fawley Refinery Community Affairs on 023 8089 2511, the Environment Agency Hotline on 0800 807060 or the harbour master on 02380 608208.