River Lambourn is ‘poisoned’ by sewage

PLANTS and wildlife around the River Lambourn are dying, poisoned by raw sewage, it is claimed.

This is despite the fact that the internationally rare chalk stream is supposed to enjoy the highest level of protection, designated a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and also as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Now Newbury MP Laura Farris has written to the Environment Agency, challenging the government watchdog to fine Thames Water.

Villagers using social media have considered a water rates strike in protest.

One wrote: “How is it possible that in 2024 we are letting them get away with operating an open sewer for weeks and then all have to pay them for the privilege?

“I just hope no one falls seriously ill from this.”

Another posted: “This has been sewage pouring 24/7 into the precious River Lambourn and it has to be harming the wildlife.”

Following another recent visit to Lambourn, Mrs Farris wrote to the watchdog Environment Agency: “I have seen raw sewage flowing through the main roads and into the River Lambourn, a chalk stream.

“I understand that this has been the case for around 10 weeks now.

“One of the principle locations is a manhole on a small bridge in Lambourn (on the B4001, directly opposite Oaksey House) where raw sewage is pouring out onto the road and is permitted to run down the nearest bank into the river where it is cordoned off by a white buoy device.

“Nonetheless, it is in the water and poisoning it, week after week.

“Quite why nobody has taken the practical step to catch the effluent in some kind of device, after it leaves the manhole but before it reaches the water is beyond me.

“The casual attitude to such a precious waterway is deplorable.”

Mrs Farris went on to warn that “plants and wildlife are dying.”

Her letter added: “I understand that Thames Water have promised to attend the village three times per week to clean up but this isn’t happening consistently.

“Irrespective of this, it is disgusting and a public health hazard.

“Please treat this letter as a formal request for the Environment Agency to exercise its power to impose a fine for this serious breach of their environmental and public health obligations.

“I am copying this letter to them and to the Flooding Minister, Robbie Moore MP, with whom I have been in regular contact.

“I look forward to hearing from you.”