A campaign to clean up the “deteriorating state" of the River Wear has been renewed as dead wildlife and litter blights scenic spots throughout the North East. 

Durham City MP Mary Kelly Foy has previously raised concern over the condition of the weirs in the city, excessive amounts of green algae, and the large build-up of rubbish trapped along them.

Ms Foy said she was “appalled” during a recent volunteer litter pick at amount of plastic waste and unsightly green algae in the river and accumulation of debris in the weirs – an issue which has also been raised by concerned residents and tourists.

Dead fish and birds, traffic cones, litter and bicycle wheels have all been seen floating in the river by residents and tourists despite the council conducting daily litter picks along the river. 

But despite being informed in Autumn 2021 and spring this year that the council was seeking a license from the Environment Agency to carry out the work on the River Wear, she said no progress has seemingly been made.

And she has now slammed Durham County Council for its lack of action after being told it was “waiting on updates”.

Read more: MP Mary Kelly Foy calls for action to clear up 'disgraceful state' of River Wear in Durham

The Northern Echo: Rubbish and dead fish stuck in the green algae on the River Wear at Durham Rubbish and dead fish stuck in the green algae on the River Wear at Durham (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Ms Foy said: “For almost a year now I have been attempting to spur Durham County Council into action to make improvements mainly to implement a formal rubbish clearing plan (rather than relying on the goodwill of volunteers and residents) and to arrange for the weirs to be cleared as the build-up of debris is an absolute eyesore.”

The Labour MP has now pleaded with Natural England to issue licences needed for major clean up work to start on the river.

Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, she said: “Water companies must clean up their act. Last year, Northumbrian Water allowed 615 days’ worth of raw sewage to be dumped into rivers at 92 sites across Durham, including the Wear, the Browney and the Deerness, making a lovely home for the dead ducks, the traffic cones, and the used drug kits filling up the Wear. 

But the response from DEFRA minister George Eustice, Ms Foy said, did not fill her with “much hope that a resolution would be found”.

 

The Northern Echo: Rubbish and dead fish stuck in the green algae on the River Wear at Durham Rubbish and dead fish stuck in the green algae on the River Wear at Durham (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

“It’s so heart-breaking to receive emails from visitors to the city who inform me that their visit has sadly been tarnished by the state of the Wear,” Ms Foy added.

“I was contacted by local school children who carried out a field trip along the War who had been left distraught by the amount of ducks, swans and fish they witnessed surrounded by green algae, debris and pollution.

“From a dead duck to traffic cones and what appeared to be bicycle wheels – we cannot allow this level of pollution to continue to blight the beautiful city of Durham and its surroundings.”

 

Jeff Talbot, Durham County Council’s clean and green manager, said: “We carry out daily litter picks along the riverbanks to ensure the River Wear is a clean and attractive place for residents and visitors.

"We also carry out a monthly cleanse of the river using long handled nets and collection by volunteers utilising boats, which is a scheme that has taken place for the last eight months.

“We are currently awaiting approval from Natural England for a license to clear larger debris from the river without disturbing its resident otter, and we anticipate this to be granted soon.”

The Northern Echo: MP Mary Kelly Foy calls for action to clear up 'disgraceful state' of River Wear in DurhamMP Mary Kelly Foy calls for action to clear up 'disgraceful state' of River Wear in Durham (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

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