Public meeting to be held on state of the Irwell and water-industry topics

THE River Irwell, sewage, water industry investment and profits will be discussed at a public meeting this week.

- BY ROBERT MACDONALD

Campaigners say the Irwell, which rises north of Bacup and flows through Rossendale and Ramsbottom to Greater Manchester, goes through the country’s ‘worst sewage dumping ground’ around Bury.

Furthermore, the questions and arguments raised are relevant for rivers and communities across the whole region, they believe.

Last year, the Irwell and the River Darwen, near Blackburn, were described as two of the most polluted rivers in England by Lancashire Wildlife Trust.

Now, Bury Trades Council, which brings together local trade unions on issues affecting people at work, industries and communities, is holding a public meeting about the Irwell and the wider water industry on Thursday, June 26.

Speakers will include Dr Morag Rose from the Our Irwell group, campaigner Mike Duddy, Hannah Spencer, a Green Party councillor who works as a plumber and stood in the Greater Manchester Mayor election; and Dan Ross of Bury Trades Council.

Organisers say ‘poor’ infrastructure investment to maximise company profits and the use of combined sewage overflows will be among the topics discussed.