Trafford Labour politicians have branded the dumping of masses of highly polluted sewerage in the River Mersey a catastrophic mistake that needs correcting.

Leading the charge on a call for action are Cllrs Barry Winstanley and Sue Maitland, who both represent Davyhulme Ward, together with fellow Cllrs Joanne Harding and Catherine Hynes from Urmston Ward

They argue that ‘United Utilities’ needs to clean-up its act after receiving a significant number of complaints from residents about the state of the river.

They also said water operators should not shirk their responsibilities or be able to wash their hands of any wrongdoing while the environment and residents pay the price.

The Labour Councillors went on to say: “The Mersey used to be really clean around here and now it can be an extremely unpleasant experience either walking or cycling along the River due to the awful lingering stench plus seeing toiletries, human faeces and nappies floating in the water – it’s nothing short of disgusting.”

“This issue of polluted waterways keeps resurfacing with no clear plan as to how we battle the problem – surely the government could impose financial penalties on these firms that are clearly profiteering while concerns about their lack of action is drowned out.”

Problems with largescale water firms polluting the UK’s waterways is nothing new – in fact some campaign groups and senior MP’s have recently branded the affair a national scandal.

Although not illegal, academics and environmental groups say releasing sewage poses a danger to human health.

Companies release sewage when there is too much demand on their treatment works during rainy periods.

However, fresh concerns about the mass pollution have resurfaced locally after an eco-friendly campaign group – Dirty Water- pinned numerous pollution warning signs on various places close to the footbridge over the Mersey on Urmston Meadows.

Cllr Winstanley added: “I do realise there is no quick fix here.

“But a far wider public conversation with the water company bosses is desperately needed.  And putting up ordinary working peoples’ water bills to make up for years of industry under-investment, as has been suggested by the current Conservative Environment Minister, is absolutely not the answer.”

The latest data by the Environment Agency –  published in March – was taken from monitoring stations installed at combined sewer overflows or CSOs.

The Environment Agency captured the following data in 2021 – 22:

While the data shows a positive reduction in the duration since 2021, John Leyland, environment agency executive director, said last year’s decrease was “largely down to dry weather, not water company action.”

A spokesperson from United Utilities said the company is committed to delivering a step change in performance to reduce the operation of storm overflows, which is a particular challenge in the North West.

“We have already reduced storm overflow operation by 40pc since 2020, but we know there is more to do,” they added.

“Our business plan for 2025-2030 includes a £3 billion programme of work across the North West to further tackle the issue, and we have been granted approval to fast track more than £1.5 billion of this over the next two years.

“We have also recently brought in a team of River Rangers, who will be out and about patrolling the banks of rivers across Greater Manchester, doing things such as cleaning litter and debris and engaging with local communities.”