Simon Hart MP has been learning more about an issue close to his heart – the pollution of our local rivers.
Mr Hart is a keen fisherman and was saddened when a local stream was poisoned by slurry last year resulting in thousands of fish being killed. No action has yet been announced by Natural Resources Wales against the farmer responsible.
“This is a topic that I have been interested in for many years and while I am a strong advocate for farmers this is one area where I think more needs to be done by the authorities to stop a few irresponsible farmers who are ruining our rivers,” said Mr Hart.
He spent a couple of hours in the River Taf in Whitland with representatives from the Camarthenshire Fishermen’s Federation (CFF) and Whitland and St Clears Angling Clubs.
“We were looking at the health of the river and discussed not only slurry pollution but also plastic pollution,” he explained.
CFF, which represents 2,000 anglers, riparian owners and fishing club members, told Mr Hart about their work clearing rivers in south west Wales of tonnes of silage wrap and baler twine.
“The problem gets so bad that it forms islands and barriers in small tributaries and this prevents fish from migrating,” said Mr Hart.
“CFF and the Angling Clubs are doing a great job working with friendly farmers to remove the waste and ensure safe storage of silage bales.
the meantime the voluntary work being done by these fishermen is helping to improve the health of our rivers.”