A NEW all-party parliamentary group has been formed to tackle water pollution, initiated and co-chaired by local MP Ellie Chowns.

The new group will bring together MPs and Peers from across different parties in Westminster to work on improving the understanding of the causes and impacts of water pollution, as well as the solutions to it.

Dr Chowns, whose North Herefordshire constituency includes part of Ross-on-Wye, said: “Clean water is a basic need for life, and across the country our rivers, lakes and seas are at the heart of communities, providing vital habitats for plants and wildlife, and invaluable environments for good mental and physical health.

“But their own health has been shamefully neglected. Not one stretch of river in England is in good condition.

“There have been some encouraging first steps from the Government, but it has so far overlooked a critical source of pollution, agricultural runoff.

“This new parliamentary group will work across party lines to promote understanding of the causes of, impacts of and solutions to this national crisis.

“Our rivers are rightly a source of local and national pride, and I hope that by working together cross-party, this group can inspire meaningful action to restore them.”

Lawyers are currently alleging that intensive poultry farming by Avara Foods and Cargill PLC has created excess phosphorus, which is the leading cause of pollution in the River Wye.