Mary Kelly Foy MP and councillor in fight over litter in River Wear

An MP has hit back after she was accused of talking down on the work of volunteers and ‘misleading’ the public as she campaigns to clean the River Wear.

Durham City MP Mary Kelly Foy has raised concern over the condition of the weirs in the city, excessive amounts of duckweed, and the large build-up of rubbish trapped along them.

Dead fish and birds, traffic cones, litter and bicycle wheels have all been seen floating in the river by residents and tourists despite the council conducting daily litter picks along the river.

Initial reports of green algae also on the river have been disputed, however, with locals instead saying it is large amounts of duck weed.

But despite being informed that Durham council was seeking a license from the Environment Agency to carry out the work on the River Wear, Ms Foy MP said no progress has seemingly been made.

Now, a local councillor in charge of neighbourhood services across the county has launched a scathing attack, urging the Labour MP to stop misleading the public and to support and recognise work done by council staff.