“I wouldn’t let my worst enemy swim in the River Irwell,” an environmental campaigner at a meeting to urge action for the polluted river said.
Concerned residents and union representatives gathered at Prestwich Methodist Church on Thursday night to confront the growing crisis of sewage pollution and poor water quality in the Irwell, which runs from Bacup, Rossendale, Ramsbottom and Bury.
The meeting, organised by Bury Trades Council, also saw the launch of a petition calling on Bury’s two MPs to push for the renationalisation of water companies.
The petition urges Members of Parliament to make representations on behalf of Bury Trades Council in Parliament to return the water industry to public ownership.
The Trades Council brings together local trade unions to campaign on issues affecting working people and their communities.
Spokesperson Dan Ross chaired the meeting at Prestwich Methodist Church on Thursday, June 26.
He said: “It was very much a word-of-mouth campaign, so to get 35 people attending was fantastic.
"The level of discussion was very high. Going forward, we will hold a similar meeting in Radcliffe, raise awareness through our stalls and leafleting campaign, and encourage more people to sign our petition.”
Dr Morag Rose, representing the campaign group Our Irwell, emphasised the importance of grassroots action. “For me, it’s about the common cause – our rivers and canals, and how we all care about them.
“What we really need is community action.”
Echoing those concerns was Green councillor for Trafford, Hannah Spencer, who criticised the burden placed on the public.
She said: “The public volunteer so much of their time trying to keep our rivers clean.
"How is it fair that we’re paying high water bills, while volunteers are going out and picking up dirty nappies for free?”
Environmental campaigner Mike Duddy, chair of the Salford Friendly Anglers Society, which holds fishing rights on parts of the Irwell and River Roch, issued a stark warning about the river’s current condition.
“I wouldn’t let my worst enemy swim in the River Irwell,” he said.
The meeting highlighted mounting frustration with the privatised water industry and growing concern over its environmental performance, especially around sewage discharge and pollution in local waterways.
But in response, United Utilities said it has been engaging with local groups and is committed to improving the situation.
A spokesperson said: “We were pleased to welcome Love Springwater and Dan Ross to our Bury wastewater treatment works on Friday, June 20 to take a tour of the site and learn more about our treatment process and future investment into the area.
“While the appropriate representative from United Utilities was unable to attend the public meeting, we have committed to proactively follow up with Dan Ross and the group to continue the conversation and work in partnership to tackle issues important to both the community and the water company.”
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