TV cameras visit Ross to report on River Wye phosphate pollution

TV cameras from ITV Central visited Ross yesterday, Thursday 25th March, to report on the dramatic findings of Ross-on-Wye Angling Club’s water quality monitoring project.

Charlotte Cross, the station’s Environment correspondent, interviewed Rob Leather and Trevor Hyde from Ross AC, as well as canoeists, paddle boarders, wild swimmers, anglers and bird watchers, all concerned by the alarming levels of phosphates present in the iconic river around Ross

“We found that 85% of our tests exceeded the maximum permitted level for phosphates and that has created a huge reaction in the media, and among local people and other likeminded groups campaigning for action to be taken,” said Ross AC chairman, Rob Leather.

Among others, the Mayor of Ross, Cllr Daniel Lister, and local MP Jesse Norman, have both pledged support for the campaign, so too the Angling Trust, the representative body for angling in England.

The club has sent its findings to senior officers at the Environment Agency, the regulatory authority for the river in England, asking for a response and update on what is being done to enforce phosphate regulations.

Charlotte Cross’ report is due for broadcast on ITV Central early next week (w/c 29th March).