Ouseburn River Pollution
With the subject of River Pollution having been in the National News this week we should remember that it is not only an issue for Thames water but one for us locally too.
The way that Northumberland Water manages heavy rainfall means that at times raw sewage can be washed into the Ouseburn river. This is unacceptable. It’s true it’ll be expensive and will take time to eliminate all pollution, but they can and should get on with limiting the worst overflows. A section of the river is in my ward and sometimes locals and passers by, incuding children, like to paddle in it. The problem is that the river is most polluted when it’s at its fastest and looks clean. At various points in the river there are warnings about this, but most still don’t know about it. I want people to know that they can use and enjoy the river but they need to know when Northumberland Water practices are exposing them to danger. Recently I went along to a meeting organised by the Ouseburn Trust which included excellent expert testimony about the pollution in the river. The issue is well known, so when is Northumberland Water going to act? In the meeting we discussed water companys’ excuses for these kind of problems, and that both the Coalition and Conservative Government let this problem escalate for years. What we need now is some action, starting with where the worst problems are. The Reece Foundation have provided £1 million to kickstart improving the Ouseburn river and area https://www.reece-foundation.org/1m-fund-launched-by-reece-foundation-to-kickstart-the-ouse-burn-way-in-newcastle/
I feel strongly that cleaning up the river and making it safe is important for the health of the population and improving the area - we need to look after and make the most of our natuaral resources. The dilemma is that in the meantime we also need people to know about the dangers in a way that doesn’t put them off using and enjoying the river appropriately. Whatever happens in the election in May, I plan to ask the Council’s Health Scrutiny Committee to investigate this and to take action and provide information accordingly, so we can work towards making the most of the river and have an active and safe community around it.
This story was covered in the Chronicle when I raised the issue in Septembers Council Meeting last year…