Welsh Water faces a legal claim following court action taken against three companies blamed for river pollution.

The court action, taken by law firm Leigh Day representing nearly 4,000 claimants, is against Welsh Water, Dwr Cymru Cyfyngedig, who is blamed for pollution in the river Usk, and industrial chicken production firms, Avara Foods Limited and Freemans of Newent Limited, who are blamed for pollution in the rivers Wye and Lugg.

The three companies have denied the claims and must file a defence and, unless the claim is settled, it will be heard in a civil trial at the High Court. The defendants also have the right to apply for the claims to be struck out.

The 3,943 claimants are all residents, local business owners, or people who use the rivers Wye, Usk and Lugg for leisure and family time.

Businesses who rely on local tourism and river activities have also joined the claim.

All allege that Avara, Freemans and Welsh Water are responsible for river pollution and the severe impact it has had on businesses, recreation, tourism and property values since August 2019 and ask the court to award substantial damages for that period. They also ask the court to order all three companies to clean up the rivers and restore them to health.