River Severn “in good condition”

By Paul Rogers, Local Democracy Reporter

Water bosses believe the River Severn “is in a good condition” but recognise people’s concerns.

Millions of pounds worth of investment is planned, say Severn Trent, as part of a £2 billion package to improve river health and cut spills from storm overflows.

“I look after a team of river rangers, and we’ve got a guy based in this area,” said Gareth Mead, river ranger manager at Severn Trent.

“We’re out on rivers every day, checking their health, and talking to people that use the rivers.

“We think it’s in a really good condition. We recognise there is concern, and that’s why we’ve got this massive investment – £2 billion over the next few years, with £470m for Shropshire.

“And, also, additional things like spill reduction. We’ve got a massive investment that our local sewage team is working on.”

Last Thursday (July 30), Severn Trent launched its Surfbee river drone in Shrewsbury that has onboard cameras, sampling equipment and temperature monitors.

This, the firm says, will allow teams to better monitor rivers and waterways.

“It’s also a paddle board that we can control from the river bank. It’s a brilliant bit of equipment,” said Mr Mead. “It’s got a camera and takes water quality readings on the river.

“It can go a couple of kilometres up and downstream. And because rivers are natural environments, it can be difficult getting to the river bank in some areas.

“There’s steep banks with lots of vegetation. Things like bridges under motorways make it really difficult to get to.

“So, with this, you can set it off and programme it to undertake missions on a map where you want it to go.

“This is a first for us, but also believe it’s the first in the industry. It actually originated in Australia, but we’ve taken it on here and think it will be brilliant.”

Bernard Taylor, who has been using the Severn for more than 60 years, added that he too thinks the river is fine.

“I would say, if there’s any question about muck, then it was in the increase in the number of waterfowl more than anything because I definitely see more ducks,” he said.