A NEW initiative will consider ways to battle pollution in Herefordshire’s river Wye.

A new commission is being established to consider how it can use all of its powers and influence to address and restore water quality in the Wye and Lugg rivers.

Both are designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and are also Special Areas of Conservation (SAC).

They are currently struggling with high levels of nutrients, mainly phosphates, which affect water quality and alter the delicate eco-balance.

Natural England ensures the ecology of watercourses remains in good health and sets limits for the level of nutrients.

RELATED NEWS:

The river Lugg is currently exceeding these limits which has impacted on development in the area, and the river Wye is now also close to this status.

A spokesperson for Herefordshire Council said that the commision will take a strategic view of all the issues involved in addressing river water quality.

It said the commission will deliver as much work as possible before March 2023.

Councillor John Harrington said: "We’re committed to doing all we can to address the issues of water quality in our rivers, to protect and enhance these important wildlife habitats.

"We will be drawing on national expertise to inform what we do and to ensure we are doing all we can to address this vitally important issue of restoring our rivers back to health.

"We cannot stand by while our rivers are struggling, not just because of the impacts that restrictions have brought our precious county building industry but because we must restore the ecology and bio-diversity of our beautiful Lugg and Wye."