NORTH West Water has been ordered by the Government to stop pollution getting into the River Darwen.

It is one of many water companies nationwide which have been ordered by Environment Minister Michael Meacher to include improvements in their business plans for the years 2000 to 2005.

The aim is to clean up sewage disposal and drinking water supplies around the country.

In Blackburn, work is expected to concentrate on stopping pollution getting into the River Darwen and Hole Brook from sewage treatment works. There will also be improvements to sewer overflows throughout the town.

North West Water has welcomed Mr Meacher's comments and says the company will be putting its plans for that five-year period before the water regulator, Ofwat, in April. The Environment Agency proposed a clean-up programme last May and has welcomed the announcement.

Clive Gaskell, the agency's regional water quality manager, said: "We wanted to see the end to sewage fouling our riverbanks and beaches, and prevent our precious rivers and wetland sites from drying out.

"This new investment will banish the last vestiges of the Victorian sewerage systems into the history books forever and at last set environmental standards fit for the 21st century."

Across the North West, the improvements should put an end to the uncontrolled discharge of untreated sewage from coastal towns and to pollution caused by poor sewage effluents in a number of towns and cities.

Ian Byatt, director of Ofwat, said: "I am pleased that ministers have now issued clear guidance about the programme that companies must deliver.

"This clarity on the quality programme is in good time for the companies to take proper account of it in their business plans which they will submit in April.

"The improvements will have to be paid for. I cannot say what the consequences for bills will be until I have received and considered the business plans."

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