Campaigners gathered in Ironbridge on Sunday to raise awareness of pollution affecting the River Severn and call for greater protection of the waterway.
The march took place on World Rivers Day. Campaigners said more action was needed to protect the river from pollution despite recent investment by water company Severn Trent.
Wildlife decline documented by residents
Helen Harvey, who lives in the area, told the BBC she has witnessed a decline in the river over the last 10 years. "Before it was teeming with wildlife there were plenty of plants growing along the river bank," she said.
Local anglers have reported a significant fall in fish numbers. Ewen McGavin told the BBC: "There are fish and you can find them but they're not in the numbers that they used to be. I suppose it's fishing maybe 15-20% of what it used to fish at."
Campaigners demand charter for the Severn
Andrea Bailey from the Telford and Wrekin Green Party said the River Severn, at 220 miles long, is the longest riverway in the country but remains very polluted. She criticised sewage dumping and called for action against what she described as water company profiteering.
Campaigner Joanne Kowalski called for a formal charter for the Severn similar to those in place for other rivers across the country. "The river impacts everything. If you don't have healthy water, everything else dies around it," she said. "There has to come a point where we have to take a stand and say to the authorities, enough is enough."
Severn Trent response
Severn Trent said it had invested £2 billion across the region on improvements in the last year and reduced storm overflow spills. The company also stated it had spent £140m on improving sewage treatments in the area. In a statement, the company said it recognised the passion people have for the river and remains committed to working with partners.
