Action plea over rivers’ poor water quality
SECOND WORST IN COUNTRY FOR DISCHARGE RATE
RECENT reports on water quality in two Calderdale rivers being the second worst in the country united councillors from all parties to call for action to improve the situation.
Councillors backed Clr James Baker’s motion calling on them to support the Calder Catchment Partnership’s work, including talks with Yorkshire Water, request Cabinet considers how to engage residents in debate about improving the river, and for scrutiny councillors to examine the issue.
It ultimately incorporated elements of amendments submitted by Labour and Conservative groups, including about the River Ryburn, resulting in Clr Baker’s last motion before the council – he is stepping down an the May elections - winning cross party support.
“Unfortunately the River Calder and its tributaries have got declining quality and standard of water at the moment. We’re second in the country in terms of hours of discharge – that is not necessarily volume but certainly hours, which is the metric used, are up.
“A lot of that is up to our antiquated sewer system and there is a definite need to put pressure on Yorkshire Water to spend a little bit more on the investment and a little bit less in terms of shareholder dividends,” he said.
Clr Baker (Lib Dem, Warley) also wanted to involve people in the borough more widely .
“I want to encourage people on the collective effort we have on our waterways and the role we can all play in working to improve the quality of it, the biodiversity of it, and really make that river – we get our name from the Calder – the jewel in our crown,” he said.
Clr Scott Patient (Lab, Luddenden Foot) said there was a mix of issues including Victorian infrastructure, and there was also a need to have a national conversation about our rivers.
“We are all horrified to learn that the Ryburn and the Calder are some of the most polluted in the country. Yorkshire Water saying the right things and saying they are taking action ut you are right, we need to hold them to account and ask them serious questions,” he said.
Clr Steven Leigh (Con, Ryburn) said ward councillors had tried to engage with Yorkshire Water and it was difficult – his group were in agreement and pleased Ryburn issues had also been incorporated into the motion, which had all party support.
Clr Howard Blagbrough (Con, Brighouse), citing recent sewage discharge issues with the Casa venue in the town, thanked officers for trying to work with them to find the best solution.
“Hopefully, now the owner will realise that action does need to be taken,” he said.
Spend a little bit more on the investment and a little bit less in terms of shareholder dividends.
Clr James Baker