Thousands of Midlands river campaigners to join London rally

Geoff Sallis is one of 70 volunteers in the Safe Avon group who have tested the water in the River Avon more than 1,200 times between them.

Their results shows increasing levels of phosphate and nitrate in the water, which can lead to more algae.

Data from the Environment Agency shows sewage was discharged in the river at Tewkesbury for more than 5,000 hours last year across 228 days.

Geoff wants more to be done to monitor how much waste is put into the rivers by water companies.

“We should be prosecuting the companies that pollute,” said Mr Sallis.

“I just get offended that people, for profit, can use them as open sewers.”

In response, Severn Trent Water said all of its spill data was shared with the Environment Agency, adding: “We continue to be completely open and transparent, whilst at the same continuing to reduce spills, and improve river health.”

The company said it was also investing £78m in a bathing rivers project using pioneering ozone technology, which would benefit the Avon.

A spokesperson for the company said: “We’re ahead of government targets, and we’re leading the way in the UK.”