THE Forest Council says it wants to work with intensive poultry units to tackle pollution in the River Wye.

Poor water quality due to high levels of phosphates has been caused by run-off from chicken manure spread on nearby fields and sewage discharge.

There are currently 11 intensive poultry units in the Forest  and the council wants to see the amount of nitrates and phosphates entering the water system being offset by removing the equivalent amount.

They also want to develop new policies through the Local Plan to safeguard and restore the ecosystem.

Councillors unanimously backed a motion to recognise that the solutions to the problem cannot be fixed by them alone and will need input from key organisations like DEFRA, Natural England, the Environment Agency and the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

The council has also pledged to continue its work with Herefordshire Council to tackle the issue.

Cllr Sid Phelps (G, Lydbrook), who put forward the motion, said: “This motion is not so arrogant as to presume this council will solve the riddle, it simply states we recognise the serious nature of the problem and will do everything in our powers to work towards a solution.”