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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Environment
Helena Horton Environment reporter

Defra’s failure to protect and restore water bodies ‘unlawful’, high court rules

Willow Herb reflected by the evening light in Costa Beck
The judge said sewage discharges for specific rivers such as the Costa Beck need to be regulated more tightly. Photograph: Richard Burdon/Alamy

The government and environment agency failed in their duty to restore and protect waterways from pollution, the high court has ruled in a significant case that could force an overhaul of the government’s plans.

Fish Legal and Pickering Fishery Association took the government to judicial review over its river basin management plan for the Costa Beck river in the Humber district, which had a reputation as one of the best fly fishing spots in the UK until a few years ago.

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