Residents want Laugherne brook polluters to be charged

Councillor Richard Udall wants Worcestershire County Council to ask the Environment Agency for more information regarding the pollution.

Environment Agency officers battled to save hundreds of fish struggling for oxygen in Laugherne Brook in Worcester in September 2017 after it was mysteriously polluted.

Cllr Udall said: "The pollution incident in 2017 caused significant damage to the ecosystems in the brook.

"To date, the Environment Agency has only stated they are investigating the incident, they have a suspect and are unwilling to give any more information.

"Residents want an assurance that the culprit will face criminal charges and that action will be taken to prevent any repeat of the offence. 

"The Environment Agency also said they would consider re-stocking the brook with fish, but only if this can't happen naturally. 

"It has been pointed out to them several times that a weir exists where the brook meets the River Teme, therefore, it is unable to naturally re-stock.

"I'm pleased the cabinet member for environment agreed to my request to contact the Environmental Agency to seek assurance on both the investigation into the pollution incident and on how they can assist with the recovery."

Councillor Simon Miller, cabinet member with responsibility for environment, said he was "disappointed" that Councillor Udall did not ask him this sooner.

He said: " Councillor Udall mentioned this at the last council meeting and I have informed him that I will be contacting the Environmental Agency about this.

"I am disappointed that it took Councillor Udall took this long to come to me with the issue, it could have been mentioned last year, and as we approach March, nesting season means this issue could be pushed back even further.

"I will be looking at the bio-diversity, and my interest is what the condition of the brook is in now when it will be likely to be restocked or restock naturally if possible.

"I do not know who or what contributed to the pollution of the brook, but if there is a prosecution, it will appropriately go through the legal system.

"My door is always open to anyone who cares about the environment."