Thousands of people marched through central London on Sunday to urge the government to take action against pollution in the UK’s waterways.

Among them were members of Newark Rowing Club who traveled from Nottinghamshire to take part in what they described as the biggest march they had ever taken part in.

The club says pollution in the River Trent is “stopping people from playing the sports we love”.

Environment Secretary Steve Reed said he shared public anger over the issue and was “taking immediate action to clean up our rivers, lakes and seas”.

The Walk for Clean Water was organized by the Rivers Trust.

He called on the government to enforce existing laws designed to tackle water pollution and ensure that “all polluting industries” upgrade their infrastructure and reduce water waste.

Andy Joy, captain of Newark Rowing Club, said: “The only thing we need as a rowing club is water to use.

“If it’s not safe because of pollution, we have a problem because we just won’t be able to get out.”

Amelia, a 17-year-old club member, said: “The first time I fell I got ‘Trent’s stomach’, which is similar to norovirus. I was out for two weeks.

“I have recently contracted more illnesses from the river and that is a clear indication of the water quality.”

William, another young member, said: “When it’s poor quality you can really feel the difference and just outside the rowing club you can see it’s quite brown and dirty.”

In response, the Environment Agency said: “The River Trent is not a designated bathing water, so the health risks from using these places may be higher than in river waters. designated swimming areas. »

Julia Loach-Martin, who has lived along the River Trent all her life and rows at the Newark-on-Trent Boat Club, was among the protesters on Sunday.

She said seeing wildlife on the river was “part of the joy” and crucial to her well-being.

“We see everything from swans to herons to kingfishers and more. That’s part of the joy of being on the water early in the morning.

“But no one wants to row or swim in polluted waters.

Teammate Louise Lyons said: “I’ve never protested for anything in my life, but I’m really passionate about this.

“I just want it to be a safe environment, especially since when you’re learning to row as a junior you’re at the highest risk of falling.

“I don’t want our young people to get sick because they’re doing something they love.”

Vanessa Sumpmann, of the Trent Rivers Trust, said: “The Trent, like any other river, is in crisis.

“It only sees a fraction of the life it could hold, and it’s really time to invest in our rivers and their health.”

In 2023, the River Trent saw an additional 12,000 sewage spills, which Severn Trent Water said was due to increased rainfall in the Midlands.

The company said: “We are making great strides to play our part in saving the region’s rivers, with almost 500 rapid improvements already underway as part of a massive £450m plan to reduce significantly use of storm overflows this year. »

Environment Secretary Steve Reed said: “I share public anger on this issue and am taking immediate action to clean up our rivers, lakes and seas.

“We are subjecting water companies to special measures through the Water Bill, which will strengthen regulation, including new powers to ban the payment of bonuses to polluting water bosses and take criminal action against persistent violators.”