Anglers, Yorkshire Water and Andrew Jones MP are to meet this month to discuss concerns about the quality of water in the River Nidd.
The meeting will focus on the foul smell and state of the river near Darley sewage treatment works.
But it will also consider the wider issue of the Nidd’s health, which is under the spotlight after a spate of young people who swam in it fell ill during last month’s heatwave.
Seven angling groups that fish from the source of the Nidd to where it flows into the Ouse will be represented at the meeting by Harrogate Fly Fishers’ Club, which is based in Darley.
The meeting, at Darley Memorial Hall, will also be attended by Harrogate and Knaresborough Conservative MP Andrew Jones, Darley and Menwith Parish Council and Yorkshire Water.
Anglers have requested Yorkshire Water provide data about the design and operation of Darley sewage treatment works.
The Environmental Information Regulations provide a statutory right of access to environmental information held by public bodies.
Read more:
- Sickness outbreak prompts concerns River Nidd is not safe for swimming
- UK’s largest weir removal project begins on River Nidd at Scotton
David Clayden, honorary secretary of Harrogate Fly Fishers’ Club, said there were concerns about the amount of sewage being pumped into the Nidd and he hoped the meeting might lead to some answers. He said:
“We are trying to understand why Yorkshire Water think the Nidd is OK when it doesn’t seem like it is to us.”
Mr Clayden added that the river was fishing well but dead trout and grayling could often be seen floating on the surface.
The Nidd is predominantly a fly fishing river containing trout and grayling but the lower reaches contain significant numbers of coarse fish, such as roach and chub.
A Yorkshire Water spokesperson said:
“We’re due to meet with the MP and the local angling group to discuss the operation of our treatment works, as well as listen to any points they would like to raise about the health of the river.”
