Devastating Pollution on the River Crane

Last weekend there was a devastating pollution incident which appears to have killed most of the fish in about 10km of the River Crane in West London. This is particularly tragic because the river has been steadily restored by volunteers from a range of organisations over the past 20 years. Volunteers from the Thames Anglers Conservancy (TAC), who are very active members of the Trust, were on site as soon as they heard the news and have been investigating the causes and impacts of this incident, which raises a lot of questions. Until we have answers to those questions, we will reserve comment.

Mark Lloyd, Angling Trust Chief Executive, commented on this pollution case; "I will be attending a meeting today with Thames Water, along with the TAC, the Friends of the River Crane Environment (FORCE) and the London Wildlife Trust to discuss what happened and the process for deciding how to make a payment to a suitable organisation to restore the river. The ACA (now Fish Legal, the Trust's legal arm) negotiated a settlement of £500,000 when the Wandle was polluted in 2008. This money is still being used by the Wandle Trust and others to improve the habitat and fishing on the Wandle. Thames Water have given early indications that a similar settlement will be forthcoming for this incident and so we hope to negotiate a similar arrangement for the Crane. We understand that the fishing on the river is largely free public access, but if any member clubs have any fishing rights on the river then we would ask that you contact me immediately. Please call the Angling Trust office on 01568 620447 for my mobile number."

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