'Deep concern' over signs and trolleys in river

A wildlife trust has said it is "deeply concerned" after traffic signs, road cones and rusty shopping trolleys were found in a river.

Wiltshire Wildlife Trust is urging the public to protect waterways after a large amount of debris was discovered in the River Biss in Trowbridge by staff from the town council.

"Recently items such as roadworks cones, signs, shopping trolleys, baskets and various bottles and cans were discovered in the river," a council spokesperson said.

It comes after the Environment Agency said earlier this year that rusty trolleys in the river could pose a "potential flood risk".

"We will continue to take action to remove debris and encourage the community to do their part in keeping our rivers clean," Trowbridge Town Council said.

Shopping trolleys and an office chair were also found dumped in the same part of the river last November.

The Environment Agency is responsible for managing the River Biss alongside the town council.

"Litter in watercourses isn't just a public nuisance, it can be a flood risk and bad for the environment," an Environment Agency spokesperson said.

"If you spot rubbish which could cause a flood risk or pollution, please report it via our incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60."

Wiltshire Wildlife Trust said rubbish in the river is not just an eyesore, but a symptom of a wider environmental issue.

"Our rivers are corridors for nature, they are habitats for species that cannot live elsewhere such as the water vole, otter, and kingfisher, as well as a rich diversity of fish, insects, and plants," it said.

"The presence of large-scale litter and fly-tipped items poses a direct threat to this wildlife through entanglement, physical injury, and the leaching of harmful pollutants that degrade water quality for years to come.

"We urge the public to help us protect these precious habitats by ensuring all waste is disposed of responsibly and by reporting any incidents of fly-tipping to Wiltshire Council immediately."

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