Doctors in Winsford are warning of serious risks to public health caused by a water company dumping raw sewage into the River Weaver.

According to data from The Rivers Trust, untreated human waste was discharged into the river for a total of 82.5 days in 2021 from a wastewater treatment works in Crewe, which is upriver of Winsford.

People most at risk are those who use waterways for recreation activities, such as swimming, boating, fishing, or even just allowing their dogs to enter the water while out on a walk.

Dr Kathy Fallon, a Winsford GP, is extremely concerned about the risk of serious bacterial infections such as gastroenteritis, and she and a number of her colleagues have organised a public meeting, to raise awareness of the issue.

She said: "This is a monumental failure of the water companies and the Environment Agency to look after our rivers and seas. This is now a very serious risk to public health."

The meeting will take place at Winsford Marina on Saturday, January 28, at 12.30pm. 

The what3words location of this event is w3w.co/hamper.flask.path

Dr Fallon added: "We have invited Winsford town councillors, Edward Timpson MP, and interested environmental and leisure groups who use the River Weaver and Winsford Flashes, to gather at the marina.

"Local people are also invited to attend to learn more about this important and very troubling problem, and to discuss what to do about it."