Rally in Oxford against sewage pollution
The ‘Oxford Clean Rivers Fest’ is happening the same day as the final Oxford University ‘Eights Week’ rowing races.
Oxford Clean Rivers Fest are holding a rally in Oxford against sewage pollution
The ‘Oxford Clean Rivers Fest’ will take place today (Saturday, May 25th) at the Long Bridges Nature Park beside the Thames, a mile south of the centre of Oxford.
It is being organised by the Oxfordshire Clean Rivers Initiative. They are a coalition of local and national organisations working to end sewage pollution in the Thames and its tributary rivers.
They include national charities River Action, Thames 21 and Earthwatch Europe as well as local bodies such as Oxford Friends of the Earth, Windrush against Sewage Pollution, the Evenlode Catchment Partnership, Oxford University Students Union ,Friends of Longbridge, and various rowing and swimming organisations.
The Fest will take place during the last day of the popular Oxford University ‘Eights Week’ rowing races with the support of the rowing clubs.
Organisers say it will celebrate the beauty of the River Thames while also calling for action against sewage pollution. The Festival will be family-friendly with music, entertainment, engaging talks from well-known speakers and the opportunity to learn more about the river and how people can play a role in its restoration.
It will be free and will run from midday to 6pm.
James Wallace CEO of River Action said: “People all over Oxfordshire are unhappy and angry about the levels of sewage pollution in our rivers, including the rowers and swimmers who are supporting the event: we invite everyone to join us in saying no more talk - time for action!”
Sasha Woods, Director of Science and Policy at Earthwatch Europe (an international charity based in Oxford) said
“This year is almost certain to be a general election year and we want to make sure that clean fresh water is top of the agenda for any new Government. The data clearly shows that we are failing to look after our freshwater habitats and this festival is about calling for action to clean up our rivers so that they can thrive in future.”
Chris Church of Oxford Friends of the Earth added:
“Sewage pollution in the Thames is getting worse and Thames Water is failing to tackle this. We need national action by the Government and the Environment Agency to bring this problem under control – the Clean Rivers Fest is everyone’s chance to call for action.”