Drive and Stroll with Ron Freethy

READERS of this column will know that I love strolling by our rivers and canals. They will also be aware that our local watercourses have had a bit of a raw deal since the industrial revolution.

For many years, there was no sign of a compromise between industry, local authorities and those who love walking. Thankfully things are changing and this is why I welcome recent information from the Environment Agency. Rivers and waterways in East Lancashire will soon be getting an extra boost, thanks to seven companies based in the area.

The firms have become the first to sign up to a new scheme to earn a WaterMark Award for riverside stewardship.

The businesses must not only comply with waste and pollution control legislation, but also work towards additional environmental improvement and enhancement schemes.

The first companies to sign for the WaterMark Award are Akzo Nobel at Darwen, B&Q stores at Blackburn and Brierfield, Graham and Brown at Blackburn, North West Water Limited's waste water treatment works at Great Harwood, Philips Components at Simonstone, Potterton Myson Limited at Padiham and St Regis Paper Mill at Darwen. The WaterMark Award scheme has been set up by REEL (River Enhancement East Lancashire) and the Darwen River Valley Initiatives - supported by the Environment Agency, Groundwork, the Mersey Basin Campaign and Water Watch, as well as local authorities.

Nick Hepworth, the Environment Agency's REEL representative said: "By signing up to WaterMark these companies are leading the way by making a firm and structured commitment to improving their local environment for the benefit of the community.

"In the past, rivers in the Calder and Darwen Valleys have had a rough deal because of pollution and insensitive developments. Now water quality is improving, and the WaterMark scheme will encourage businesses to work with local people to build on those improvements, and help create waterways we can all be proud of and enjoy."

WaterMark is being run as a pilot project in East Lancashire. If it is a success it could be extended.

The project is open to any business sited next to a stream, river or canal, that can commit to carrying out good solid management and pollution control, and enhancing their local waterside. Darwen RVI and REEL partners can help with site visits, ideas, labour and, in some cases, funding.

To find out more and to receive a WaterMark Action Pack, contact Nick Hepworth, at the Environment Agency, on Preston (01772) 339882.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.