Wye, Usk and Lugg pollution battle goes to court

A landmark legal case claims industrial scale farming and sewage spills are causing pollution in three rivers - the Wye, Usk and Lugg.

The case against Avara, Freemans of Newent and Welsh Water starts at the High Court in London. All three firms vigorously deny the claims.

4,500 people say their lives, businesses and health have been affected by pollution in the rivers.

Fishermen such as Nathan Jubb, based near Ross, say their livelihoods have been hit due to a lack of fish.

Wildlife filmmaker Justine Evans moved to Herefordshire 15 years ago. She describes how algae in the river makes her worried about her dog swimming in it, no longer taking the plunge herself.

Avara told the BBC that the legal claim is 'based on a misunderstanding and not supported by scientific data. Research shows river health is influenced by multiple factors which are unrelated to our operations. The firm says that Environment Agency data is showing a downward trend in phosphorus levels.'

Welsh Water said the case is misguided and the company had 'invested more than 76 million pounds in the past five years to improve water quality on the Wye, Lugg and Usk. Any financial penalties would directly reduce the funding available to invest in essential services and deliver the environmental improvements our customers expect.'