ONE of the most improved rivers in Europe - the Irwell - is going to get better.

On top of news that the Irwell and other rivers in the Mersey Basin area are the most improved, a new government drive will see North West Water cleaning up the Blackford Bridge Waste Water Treatment plant and 80 unsatisfactory storm sewage overflows along the Irwell.

The Irwell is a major tributary of the Mersey and its improvement has therefore been a priority.

Now the Environment Agency and the Mersey Basin Campaign are expecting to hear from North West Water, at a major conference next week, how they are to implement the new government plan. A European environment study shows that, from being the dirtiest river system in Europe 15 years ago, it is now the most improved.

A campaign spokesman said: "It looks as though we will achieve our 2010 target of 80 per cent clean rivers by the year 2000. NW Water has been very good in helping us achieve our targets and we welcome the new initiative which can only bring an even more significant increase in the cleanliness of the Irwell."

Mr Dave Forster, the Environment Agency's area development protection manager, said: "We are delighted that work on the Irwell has been recognised by the Government as a priority. Securing the investment will be a tremendous boost for the rivers running through Manchester."

The Mersey Basin Campaign's aim is to sustain river life, including fish and insects.

The spokesman added: "Whilst we are pleased at our 80 per cent achievement we do realise that the last 20 per cent is likely to be the most difficult.

"The improvements at Blackford Bridge and, especially the storm sewage drains which cover most of the river from Bury through Radcliffe, Prestwich and Salford, will help tremendously."

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