Brigg waterways

6 July 2005

I have a boat in Brigg but I am worried by the build-up of plant life in the river as well as shopping trolleys and debris tossed in the river.

Can we not have enforced by-laws to persuade people to desist as well as a good clean-up and dredging of the river?

Garry Gregory

Ed. A good suggestion, Garry. I have been in touch with the Brigg Town Council clerk about this. The reply is here below:

Brigg Town Council Clerk - 6 july 2005

The Town Council has been busy for several weeks now, undertaking its own investigations into who is responsible for clearing litter from the River, and I have recently received a copy of the latest legislation which clearly places the responsibility for cleaning general litter from the River on the Local District Authority. The Town Council has already drawn this to the attention of North Lincolnshire Council, and asked for the litter in the river to be collected.

With regard to trolleys in the River, there is no need for any member of the public to put themselves at risk removing trolleys from the river, as the supermarkets are aware that this is their responsibility. The Environment Agency has the power to enforce this legislation, and can issue a notice to the local store manager instructing them to take immediate action to unblock the watercourse, or face legal action.

I trust this clarifies the Council's position, and please be assured that the Town Council will continue to look at ways in which the problem of litter in the river can be combated and dealt with.

Yours sincerely, Jeanette Woollard,
Clerk, Brigg Town Council.