A FARMING couple claim their land could remain contaminated for decades following a diesel spill more than two years ago.

Ken and Heather Saddington claimed experts called in to assess the effects of a spill of 1,500 gallons of diesel on Carlton Bank, near Stokesley, North Yorkshire, told them the area could be contaminated for another 20 years.

The experts deny ever making such a claim, but the couple - owners of Carlton Bank Stud - say their horses have been afflicted with sores and re-occurring dermatitis from a contaminated stream and bog on their land.

The farm's livestock has been watered via hoses connected to the Saddingtons' own mains supply since the spill happened in a field next to the stud, in June 1998.

Geologists brought in by contractors H J Banks, who have accepted responsibility for the spill, took away soil samples during a recent visit to the stud.

Mrs Saddington said: "They (the scientists) said this contamination could last between ten and 20 years because it is non bio-degradable and went straight down on shale."

The firm - Response Environmental Services - last night denied through its clients, H J Banks, to having made such a statement.

David Martin, company secretary for Banks, said a geologists' report had been commissioned.

He said: "We are told the report will be with us imminently. We have tried to reach a settlement with Mr and Mrs Saddington. Unfortunately, it has taken some 21 months from the incident itself for anything resembling a claim to be sent to us.

"We are willing to reach a settlement and I hope we can proceed towards that."

Mrs Saddington said: "We live in hope, but I have lived in hope since the incident occurred. I have heard that phrase so many times.