MP Seeks Action on over grown river banks

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 28th Aug 2002

According to MP Vincent Cable paths along local rivers - the Duke of Northumberland and Crane in particular - are becoming overgrown blocking long standing pedestrian walkways, because of neglect by the Environment Agency and the council.

He highlighted in particular the river behind the Harlequins ground and through Whitton, the responsibility of the Environment Agency, where he said pathways were becoming overgrown and impassible and the Crane through Twickenham where the pathways, the responsibility of the council, have become "a large bed of nettles punctuated by tipped rubbish".

"What seems to have happened is that the government's Environment Agency and the council have stopped the regular cycle of maintenance and pathways have gradually become overgrown, destroying a much valued local amenity."

"Worse, the rivers themselves are becoming full of accumulated rubbish leading to a greater risk of flooding. The council officers tell me they have plans to restore some maintenance pending a decision in November and I am pursuing the Environment Agency to live up to its name".