‘GET on with it’ is the message from business owners as a major oil spill clean-up operation continues in Poole Harbour.

People affected by the disaster can now claim compensation from Wytch Farm operator, Perenco.

Around 140,000 litres of oily/water mix have now been recovered as part of the massive clean-up.

However, it is unknown when the harbour may reopen to fishermen - with one stating he has lost “tens of thousands of pounds” in business since the leak on Sunday, March 26.

Fisherman and Oakdale ward councillor Pete Miles has run Dorset Oysters since 2008.

The firm sells oysters and other shellfish caught in Poole Harbour to traders.

Bournemouth Echo: Pete Miles of Dorset OystersPete Miles of Dorset Oysters

Cllr Miles said he had not been made aware of the compensation line, and he would be willing to waive any compensation if it meant the harbour reopening quicker.

He told the Echo: “All things considered, we still don’t know how long this is going to go on for and as such we don’t know whether our business is finished. We just keep hearing it’s ‘until further notice’, which is not much to go on.

“We’re just on stop at the moment. We use hand pickers who now aren’t able to earn a living and don’t know when they can go out again.

“I would actually rather they just get on with the clean-up and get us back to normal than go through getting compensation.”

Bournemouth Echo: Oil visible in the water of Poole Harbour following leak.Oil visible in the water of Poole Harbour following leak. (Image: PA/Ben Birchall)

Chair of Poole and District Fishermen's Association, Tom Russell, welcomed the compensation line but stressed each fisherman’s claim would be different.

He said: “I didn’t know about the compensation being official, so I’m not sure other fishermen are either. But this is definitely the right thing to do.

“We’re in pre-season with clam fishing, which properly opens on May 25, but there is still a number of fishermen who are not able to do anything at the moment.

“We can’t quantify losses in earnings as everyone is different.”

Mr Russell has previously said the clam industry is worth more than £1m locally.

Perenco has said a screening process for compensation applications is in place. Contact uk.wytchfarm.claims@uk.perenco.com via email for more information.