CAMPAIGNERS warned today that they will be “watching closely” to see if the government financially commits to protecting the environment following a toxic chemical spill in the West Midlands.

The Environment Agency said it was investigating metal finishing company Anochrome Ltd after a sodium cyanide spill in a canal in Walsall on Monday.

Walsall Council has declared it a major incident and told the public to avoid 12 miles of canals and towpaths in the area.