Parliament returns after its summer recess this week, but the MP for Monmouthshire, Catherine Fookes, has been using the time off to meet local campaigners and help address concerns around local river pollution.

Recently, people from Abergavenny and the surrounding areas used social media to voice their concern that the River Usk had been polluted by Dwr Cymru Welsh Water when a brown, foamy scum appeared on the surface of the water near Llanfoist Bridge. However, in response to an approach from The Chronicle at the time, the organisation responsible for maintaining the water supply in Wales confirmed their team had tested the water in the affected area and had found no evidence of pollution.

On her visit to the river, Ms Fookes met with Save the River Usk founder and campaigner, Angela Jones. Save the River Usk carried out its own testing and alleged to have found some evidence of pollution earlier this summer. That story can be found on our website.

“It was really useful to meet with Angela and hear more about the issues facing the River Usk, as well as what she believes needs to be done to clean up our rivers,” Ms Fookes said.

“Angela is a relentless and inspirational campaigner, and I’m grateful to her for taking the time to speak with me and share her experience. I look forward to taking these concerns to Parliament when I return next week.”

“While the Usk is a devolved matter for the Welsh Government, many of these issues also apply to the River Wye, and I’ll continue pushing for action in both Westminster and the Senedd.”

Alongside the River Usk, the MP has already called for the introduction of a Water Protection Zone across the River Wye to tackle pollution and better protect the river.