MP secures meeting on re-stocking River Kent

South Lakes MP Tim Farron secured a meeting last week between local anglers, and mangers from United Utilities and the Environment Agency, to look at issues facing the anglers following Storm Desmond last December. The impact on local wildlife, particularly fish stocks, was discussed, as well as plans to look at re-stocking the river.

Kendal's sewage works at Wattsfield was flooded during the storms, meaning untreated dilute sewage ran into the river for a short period. Together with the sheer volume of water flowing down the river many of the habitats were damaged, and local anglers claim there has been a severe reduction in the number of fish.

However, United Utilities and the Environment Agency reassured the anglers that since mid-April the quality of the treated wastewater returned to the river had returned to its usual high standards.

Following concerns about the impact on fish stocks, it was agreed at the meeting that the anglers would work with other angling groups along the River Kent, with technical assistance from the Environment Agency, to put together a proposal to re-stock the Kent. Although re-stocking is not usually permitted, it is possible in exceptional circumstances.

Tim said: "I'd like to thank everyone involved for getting round the table to sort this issue out together. The river is not only a valuable natural habitat for local wildlife, it is also a source of enjoyment for a wide variety of groups along the river, and we all have an interest in looking after it. I look forward to working with local angling groups and the Environment Agency to look at the possibility of putting together a proposal to restore fish stocks in the River Kent."