CATHERINE Fookes, MP for Monmouthshire has called on the UK Government to introduce a Water Protection Zone for the River Wye to help tackle pollution.

Speaking in Parliament this week, Catherine urged Ministers to use the upcoming Clean Water Bill to establish a Water Protection Zone covering both the English and Welsh sections of the River Wye.

Catherine Fookes MP said in Parliament: “I thank the Minister for all her hard work on the River Wye but as she knows, time is running out for that iconic river.

“With temperatures rising to dangerous levels, our fish stocks will be further affected. The Wye needs a Water Protection Zone across the English and Welsh parts of the river to mandate larger riverside buffer zones, prevent soil erosion and force authorities to crack down on polluters.

The proposed Clean Water Bill could give the Minister an opportunity to bring in a Water Protection Zone, so can she promise today that she will do that and make sure that this Government are the one to save the River Wye?”

Responding, Water Minister Emma Hardy MP recognised Catherine’s work on the issue and confirmed a Water Protection Zone is being considered.

The Minister said: “I recognise all the important work that my hon friend has put into this important campaign, and how much she cares about protecting this beautiful river.

“We will continue to work with the Environment Agency to explore all the available options, which include, of course a Water Protection Zone. Any designation must be evidence-led and targeted to ensure that the right measures are in place to tackle pollution effectively and deliver lasting improvements to water quality.”

Since being elected, Catherine has made cleaning up Monmouthshire’s rivers one of her key priorities. She has helped develop legislation to clamp down on water polluters, secured £1 million for a major cross-border River Wye restoration project, and has repeatedly raised the condition of the river in Parliament.