CAMPAIGNERS bidding to clean up a river that starts in a sewage works have received support from Euro MP Chris Davies.

As much as 80 per cent of the Hull Brook comes from Samlesbury Treatment Works in the summer months and some fish have no chance of survival.

The works served 200,000 people around Blackburn and the discharges eventually flow into the River Darwen where they are diluted but there is still only limited life in the river.

An all-party group is pushing for a £15million filter plant to remove ammonia and North West Liberal Democrat Euro MP Chris Davies visited the site to see the problem and endorse the campaign.

Officials from the Environment Agency and North West Water told him that potential now exists for rivers in the area to become an important leisure resource.

He wants Environment Minister Michael Meacher to back the improvement scheme and is urging local residents to back the plan which will allow chub and roach to thrive in the water.

He said: "Our rivers which used to be polluted and hidden away are now being improved and opened up for the enjoyment of everyone.

"Spending money on schemes like this makes economic sense.

"Only by getting rid of the image of the North West as a polluted place can we continue to attract investment in years to come."