River campaigners on the march over the Severn
BBCA protest has been held over the condition of the River Severn, which campaigners say needs protecting.
Up Sewage Creek marched through Shrewsbury on Sunday, and called for the water industry to be put back into public ownership.
About 100 people gathered on the river bank with banners and placards angry at sewage spills and pollution in the river, which flows through Shropshire and Worcestershire in the West Midlands.
Severn Trent Water said it was investing £2bn to improve the health of rivers, including the Severn, and was expecting to cut spillages by 40%.
"It's about trying to make sure we've got clean water for future generations and wildlife because the river's in a toxic state. It's shocking," Claire Kirby from Up Sewage Creek said.
Campaigners are also critical of salary and bonus packages paid to water company executives like Severn Trent's former CEO Liv Garfield, who stood down at the end of 2025 and was reported to have received more than £3m last year.
The group want more action taken against farms and other industries that add to pollution.
On Friday, users of the river met campaigners and Severn Trent to discuss its health and future at an event organised by director of Worcester Canoe Club, Sara Matthews.
Gareth Mead, who represented Severn Trent at the meeting, said the river was the healthiest he had known it in his two decades of working at the water company.
In response to Sunday's gathering, Severn Trent said: "We're going further and faster than any other water company with thousands of improvements already in place.
"Since the work began in 2024, we expect to have already cut spills from storm overflows by almost 40% and we are not stopping there.
"At Severn Trent, we don't own rivers but care deeply about them and we need to work together with other sectors, including agriculture and industry, to help protect and improve them, ensuring they remain a source of pride and joy for everyone."
The government said it was introducing tougher laws to cut bonuses and improve the way water companies operated.
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