Make the Thames ‘Safe for All’

South Oxfordshire District Council (SODC) is stepping up its campaign to make the River Thames safe for wildlife and river users by calling for an end to sewage overflows, more public information on water quality and more stringent water testing in the river.

The Thames and its tributaries in Oxfordshire are a haven for wildlife and biodiversity.  They are popular with locals and visitors for paddling, swimming, kayaking and paddle boarding.

But growing concerns about sewage pollution puts much of this at risk and councillors have backed a motion brought forward by Cllr Jo Robb to call for more stringent testing and to reduce pollution.

Cllr Robb, the district council’s Thames Champion, said: “This motion strengthens our campaign to improve water quality and make the River Thames clean and safe for everyone.”

“I hope it supports robust partnership work with Thames Water, the Environment Agency and other Councils to ensure the river is a place where wildlife can flourish and is clean and safe for leisure users to enjoy.”

The motion, seconded by Cllr Andrea Powell, asks council officers to work with appropriate partners including the Environment Agency, Thames Water and The Rivers Trust and others to eliminate sewage pollution, and calls for the introduction of world-leading water quality legislation, an enhanced water-testing regime and up-to-date information on water quality and sewage spills.

Read the full story on the SODC news website.

This entry was posted in SODC and tagged . Bookmark the permalink.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.