RAW sewage pumped into an East Lancashire river during storms is destroying the environment and causing a major health problem, anglers claimed today.

Hundreds of gallons of untreated waste is dumped in the River Calder at Burnley by water company United Utilities during storms, floods, and extreme weather.

The Calder flows into the River Ribble near Clitheroe and carries untreated sewage for miles.

Anglers claim it damages fishing and endangers farm animals who drink the water as well as wild birds and mammals who live in and around the river.

The storm overflow system is common practice, but anglers are protesting against rubbish entering the River Ribble from the River Calder because it is otherwise clean because of the small population nearby.

Grindleton angler and naturalist Martin James, 68, is one of dozens of anglers who have written letters of complain to the Environment Agency.

The broadcaster and writer, who presents a weekly show for BBC Radio Lancashire, said many angling clubs and associations object to the set-up.

He said: "Every time we have a flood the river bank is covered in obscene rubbish. We anglers are getting sick and tired of the number of sanitary towels, condoms and other obscene rubbish we have to put up with fishing in both rivers.

"As an angler I pay water rates, rod licence fees and a club membership fee. I expect the Environment Agency to protect my interests and the interests of all people who enjoy being at the waterside."

Mr James has won the support of Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans.

He said: "I think it is horrific, the prospect of effluent which has not been treated at all going into the River Calder. It has a huge impact on the wildlife in and around the river which could take many years to correct.

"The Environment Agency has a job not to dirty the environment but to clean it up."

United Utilities is the UK's largest operator of wastewater systems, treating 2,200million litres of sewage everyday around 39,000 kilometres of sewers across the North West.

A spokesperson said: "Any permitted discharge is carefully monitored. Sewage litter along river banks is unsightly and that is why United Utilities will have spent £650 million between 2000 and 2005 on improving and placing special screens on storm overflows, so that the litter cannot reach the watercourse.

"We would always urge our customers to play their part by not disposing of personal hygiene products such as condoms, tampons and cotton buds down the toilet."

An Environment Agency spokesman said:

"In severe weather conditions when the systems can't cope.

"The alternative is it coming up into people's homes through the toilets."