Water company sued over sewage leak in River Crouch (From Echo)

Water company sued over sewage leak in River Crouch

8:04am Monday 8th February 2010

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THE ENVIRONMENT Agency is suing a water company over a mass sewage leak in the River Crouch.

More than 1,000 dead eels, roach, chub, perch, bream, carp and other fish were pulled from the water in August.

Agency bosses announced yesterday they were launching action against Anglian Water, as they believe a leak at the firm’s pumping station next to the river, off Long Meadow Drive, Wickford, was to blame.

Roy Hart, 63, from Battlesbridge, launched a separate private prosecution against the Agency before Christmas, over the same alleged sewage leak which he still hopes to continue with.

It is understood the first hearings for both cases will be at Basildon Crown Court in three weeks.

Mr Hart said: “I still want to continue with my case, because I want to make sure Anglian Water is held properly to account. The judge will decide.”

Meanwhile, Basildon Council hopes it will, sooner or later, get compensation to replenish the river.

Malcolm Buckley, councillor responsible for the environment, said: “Large, mature fish like many of the ones which died are expensive to replace.

“I think it’s only right whoever caused the problem should have to pay for this through paying us compensation.”

Anglia Water spokeswoman, Sara Rowland, said: “Anglian Water can confirm it has received a summons from the Environment Agency, alleging a pollution incident in the River Crouch.

“It would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.”

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