A range of North East environment groups have hit out at Rishi Sunak's latest move to scrap laws which reduce chemicals in Britain's rivers.

Residents in his constituency that have been fighting to clean the River Swale have branded the move "contradictory" after the Prime Minister backed their campaign.

The Angling Trust described the government's move as a "victory for housebuilders but a disaster for the environment".

Nutrient neutrality rules were put in place in 2017 and they were designed to reduce the number of phosphates and nitrates polluting Britain's rivers.

The government believes that the decision will mean 100,000 new houses can be built in the years before 2030.

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A spokesperson for the Pickering Fishery described the move as "the equivalent of Margaret Thatcher's poll tax".

Hilary Plews, a Save Our Swale member, explained how unpopular the decision is in Richmond.

She said: "We are very disappointed. 

"We were excited that said he supported our application for bathing status.

"We were very pleased with that. 

"Then to read the news that nutrient neutrality laws are being reversed it just doesn't make sense.

"If he wants us to have designated bathing status at the same time as making this decision it is a complete contradiction.

"Everybody is very upset about it. Across the country sewage is becoming an issue and this will make it worse.

"It feels like an election gambit but it won't work."

Martin Smith, secretary for Pickering Fishery, said: "I have long held the belief that all parliamentarians should be made to play SIM City until they can reach the levels that an average 12 year old can manage.

"Joining up the dots is something that our system of government seems very poor at doing. 

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"Ask any 12 year old 'We need more houses but the sewage works cannot cope, what do we need to do?' the answer will undoubtedly be 'build a bigger and better sewage works'."

"This Government's meddling with nutrient neutrality will be the equivalent of Maggie Thatcher's poll tax.

"I think it will be the last straw for voters."