A Powys border town is still being affected by a kerosene leak which was first noticed two weeks ago.

The source of the problem has yet to be found in Bishop's Castle which the town's Mayor says the situation has become desperate.

The heating oil was found in a storm drain under a house and a dental practice at the top of town near Bull Street on Friday, November 1, and has since caused a "pretty bad" smell in the area including Bull Lane, Castle Green, Castle Street and Montgomery Road.

Mayor Cllr Josh Dickin said that despite residents checking their drains and tanks every day, the source still hasn't been found.

READ MORE | Bishop's Castle oil leak source not found, says town council

"This is not a simple case, it’s a rare case," he said. "We're shouting from the rooftops for someone to help us.

"We are really exhausting avenues until some strategic partner comes out to look and investigate it.

"The residents have had two weeks trying to investigate with a process of elimination. It shouldn’t be down to residents. I’m worried about their health, and they've been dealing with no specialist equipment and support. We've been left in the dark with this.

"We are due rainfall this weekend. The disappointing thing is if it ends up in the watercourse. I’m trying very much to help the environment; we should be doing it now. There is nobody with expertise or with the facilities or services that are coming to listen.

"I’m very disappointed that the Environment Agency are not acting on it. They're only concerned if the oil ends up in the watercourse. The Environment Agency are not acting. Surely, prevention is better than cure.

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"It's a big shame and it's frustrating as the mayor who’s trying to work on behalf my residents.

"I'm trying to keep positive about it and I want somebody to do something. It's a bit of desperation, really. Everybody is fatigued.

"It's a weird situation to be in. Not knowing is the concern.

"We're living and breathing it, and it's not nice with these smells. It’s not fair on residents."

A spokesperson from the Environment Agency said: “We have attended Bishop's Castle several times to check for pollution in the watercourse and no oil has been found.

“If you see a potential environmental incident affecting watercourses please report it to our 24/7 incident hotline number 0800 807060.”