A group of local people protested about the pollution of the River Frome on Saturday, 12th December.
Extinction Rebellion report, “The protesters hung a banner saying ‘Up Sh*t Creek’ to highlight the high levels of pollution in our river. One protester donned a wetsuit and gas mask and swam up the river from bridge to bridge in the town. Whilst there, he managed to haul out a shopping trolley. The red brigade also made an appearance to mourn the dying of the river, ‘fish skeletons’ were fished out of the river and a samba band played to add to the spectacle.
“According to the Environment Agency in a report issued in the autumn, only 14% of England’s rivers were rated as good for wildlife and plants. None were designated safe for bathing. Pollutants include agricultural run off; sludge, slurry, pesticides and fertilizers as well as outflows of raw sewage.
“The protesters from Extinction Rebellion gave out postcards to send to David Warburton MP, to encourage him to support the Sewage (inland waters) Bill and the Climate and Ecological Emergency Bill.”
A spokesperson said, ‘The pollution is a failure of government, and sufficient regulation, penalties and robust monitoring is required. The cleanliness of our rivers has deteriorated over the last five years, clean water like clean air is fundamental to the repair of ecosystems and the health of all of us.”
Emma Howard Boyd, chair of the Environment Agency, said that, “the nation’s approach to water needs to be transformed if the government’s plan for clean and plentiful water is to be achieved.”
