NEWS

 2026

January

29

Join The Living Brue Group for an inspiring full day focussing on the River Brue on 28th March 2026, at Glastonbury Town Hall. 

 

This free event aims to raise awareness and foster action on critical water issues facing our local ecosystems. Attendees will enjoy a series of engaging talks covering topics such as water pollution from various sources, including sewerage and agricultural run-off, and the resulting damage to delicate ecosystems. 

 

Experts will delve into water remediation projects, sharing innovative solutions for restoring balance to our rivers and wetlands. 

 

The day will also explore the rich history of The River Brue, highlighting its cultural significance through legends and folklore, as well as the historic ties between Glastonbury Abbey and local water sources. Through discussions, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how human activities impact natural systems and learn practical steps for soil health improvement and river guardianship.  The event promises a dynamic program with presentations running throughout the day, complemented by possible breakout sessions for in-depth conversations, interactive craft activities inspired by local artisans, and creative expressions through art and poetry. 

 

A possible river blessing will add a spiritual dimension, honouring the life-giving essence of our waters. We're pleased to welcome representatives from key organisations who will share their expertise and ongoing initiatives. 

 

Tea and coffee refreshments will be available for purchase. Everyone is welcome to come along, learn, and get involved in protecting our precious water resources - don't forget to secure your spot by registering for a ticket in advance (not released yet). 

 

This event is supported by Glastonbury Town Council, this is your chance to connect with like-minded individuals and contribute to a sustainable future for our rivers and communities.

 

The Living Brue Group has been born from the Climate and Resilience committee within Glastonbury Town Council.

2025

    June

9 Renationalisation could cost near to zero, says “Common Wealth” think tank 

3 The US corporation KKR have pulled out to taking over Thames Water, who are in debt to the tune of  £20 billion. It is now likely that Thames will be nationalised.

    May

Saturday May 17th turned out to be not only a wonderfully bright and lovely day, but also an interesting and inspiring one.

At the Marina lake in Weston Super Mare there was a gathering of around 50 people, all with a serious interest in the state of our rivers and waterways, and with the pollution caused by raw sewage and plastics.

A poem was read by a Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) supporter, speakers talked of the need to keep Weston clean and free of plastic for the sake of the town's tourist industry, and then swimmers and paddle boarders took to the water, many carrying placards.

This was just one of a series of nationwide SAS events highlighting the poor state of our beaches which often have raw sewage discharged onto them, polluting the seas and making them unsafe for swimming or surfing.

Water companies and agriculture are responsible for the massive levels of river pollution - there is not a single river in England that meets minimum standards of cleanliness - and our local water company, Wessex Water, is responsible for making regular discharges of raw sewage into our waterways from any one of the 1300 discharge points in the area.

The River Avon is the third most polluted river in England, according to a report in the Guardian.

We met the new deputy mayor, who expressed interest in LocalAction4Water and we hope he can introduce us to people in Weston  who are interested in hearing about the level of abuse of our local rivers by Wessex Water at a public meeting. LA4W are always keen to speak to local groups.

It's time for action in our area. And in Weston it felt like it was a very strong start indeed.

        May

20  Citizen testing reveals phosphate crisis in Britain’s waters   https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/may/19/phosphate-crisis-rivers-england-wales-anglers-testing?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

    April

            25 Environment Agency report shows spill count down 2% in 2024 compare to previous year, but of a longer duration, and still too frequent. Only 12.5% of outfalls did not spill at all inn 2024.

            16 Water Companies' pollution incidents increased by 30% in 2024.  Shareholders received dividends of £1.2 bn in 23-24.

            13 Campaign calls for a Citizen's Assembly on water 

    March

            30 Water Bills  will increase on April 1st.  Wessex Water is 3rd highest bill for water and                 wastewater companies at £669 in 2025-6. 

        Wessex is taking a £113 increase, 6th highest out of 11 water and sewage companies, but 3rd lowest in percentage terms.

     

       28              Conservative broadcaster/journalist David Dimbleby on water:

“ In 1989 Thames Water was privatised. We were promised lower bills, better infrastructure, less red tape and investment in a system fraying at the edges. It was investment that the global capitalist system was supposedly best placed to provide.

What followed was something else entirely. Debt ballooned and dividends flowed to shareholders. The company extracted profit while pipes leaked and sewage poured into rivers. And our bills now pay for interest on that debt - it feels like we've come a long way from Thatcher's nation of shareholders.”

10

The High Court has ruled that farming manure can be classified as "industrial waste". 

This is a major victory for the water environment, and means that farm manure must now be disposed of under the Waste Framework Directive. Campaigners now have increased leverage if we find that farmyard manure is polluting streams and rivers.