Thousands in legal action over 'widespread pollution' of rivers

THE biggest legal claim ever brought in the UK over environmental pollution has been filed at the High Court.

- ELLIE GOSLEY

The River Wye runs 135 miles from Plynlimon, Wales, to the Severn Estuary. It is a Special Area of Conservation with a quarter of the UK's population living in its catchment.

(Matthew Horwood)

Almost 4,000 have joined the lawsuit against major poultry producers and Dwr Cymru Welsh Water over allegations of “extensive and widespread pollution” in three Welsh rivers - the Wye, Usk and Lugg.

The claimants are local residents, business owners and people who use the rivers for leisure. They are seeking “substantial” compensation and ask the court to order all three companies to clean up the rivers.

The action claims the declining state of the rivers since 2019 has severely affected local businesses, property values and people's enjoyment of the area.

The firms being sued - Avara Foods Limited, Freemans of Newent Limited and Welsh Water — all deny the claims.

A combination of sewage discharges and chicken manure are blamed for causing environmental pollution in the claim. It alleges that this has harmed the water quality in the rivers, suffocating fish and other wildlife as well as causing bad smells.

Avara Foods says it believes the claim is based on a “misunderstanding” as no manure is stored or spread on poultry-only farms that supply the company. Welsh Water said it has made “real improvements in water quality” over recent years.

The claim is led by Leigh Day.

Oliver Holland, group claims partner at the firm, said: “This is the largest legal action concerning environmental pollution ever brought in the UK. In acontext where government and regulators have failed to prevent the degradation of our rivers, the court has become the last avenue for justice. Our clients believe they have no other option but to seek accountability through the legal system - and this marks the next step”