River Test pollution sparks questions from borough councillor

At a full Test Valley Borough Council meeting held in Romsey on Wednesday, April 17, Cllr Geoff Cooper asked for an update following pollution of the River Test.

As previously reported, Pan Parish River Pollution Forum by villagers has been formed to raise awareness of the serious damage to the river’s ecology and to campaign to prevent further pollution.

The parishes include Houghton, Appleshaw, Barton Stacey, Chilbolton, King’s Somborne, Longstock, North Baddesley, Nursling & Rownhams, Shipton Bellinger, and Stockbridge.

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River Test is one of the world’s finest chalk streams. According to the forum, the river is now under threat as the levels of pollution are a danger to fish, wildlife, insect life and to public health.

The forum aims to share information about the extent of the pollution and to alert parishes when there are major discharges into the river in order, where possible, to facilitate the mitigation of damage, and to warn people to keep pets and children out of the water to avoid falling ill.

Cllr Geoff Cooper with a sample of water from the River Test (Image: Contributed)

It has also been campaigning to stop further river pollution incidents and is calling on the Environment Agency and other relevant bodies to enforce existing regulations and bring water companies to account.

Southern Water had recently abandoned its plan to pump substantial quantities of wastewater into River Test after opposition from residents concerned about the ecological impact.

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Cllr Geoff Cooper said: "At the Pan Parish River Pollution Forum on Tuesday, April 9, Cllr Drew was asked to provide an update on action taken by Test Valley Borough Council, following the full council meeting of Thursday, Feb 29.

"The general feeling amongst those attending the Pan Parish meeting was that the update did not show a great deal of action has yet been taken. So, please could you provide an update on exactly what action has this council taken as a result of the Motion passed under Rule 12 at our last Full Council meeting?"

Cllr Alison Johnston responded, saying: "This is one of the most pressing issues we face at the moment. The Pan Parish Forum has been working effectively for the last two years with the support of the local borough and county councils and those efforts, alongside those of Test Valley Borough Council have resulted in a positive dialogue with Southern Water and the Environment Agency, the agencies responsibility for the water quality in the Test.

"The environment agency did give a written update to the parish forum, and the agency has directed Southern Water to take action which has significantly reduced storm discharges.

"The Environment Agency will continue to monitor the water quality of the River Test both upstream and downstream of Fullerton and I understand there is ongoing legal investigations being conducted.

"The motion passed by this council helps to keep the pressure up on Southern Water and will ensure the water quality in the River Test is kept in the public eye.

"The council has no formal statutory authority to intervene but we will continue to support the Pan Parish River Pollution Forum as we have for some time.

Cllr Cooper asked a supplementary question, saying: "Houghton Parish Council has purchased water monitoring equipment from watr.tech. The unit costs £6,000.

"Would Test Valley Borough Council be willing to buy more of these devices to provide greater testing and data collection and show firm action on the monitoring of pollution in our chalk streams?"

Cllr Johnston said: "The council can assist organisations such as parish councils in purchasing this type of equipment through our existing grant structure.

"We do need evidence of volunteer activity. We can support grants of £4,000 and up if there are other private individuals willing to contribute to the pot so bring forward the people who will carry out the water testing, and we will go from there."