“I don’t think I should be paying them for polluting my local river. What they’re doing is criminal.’’

Life long local Angler Mike Deacon has been making national press recently and putting the spotlight back on the Ouse at a national level. Mike is part of the growing movement of customers refusing to pay water companies as they protest against sewage spills.

“Today there is a 75% drop in the levels of roach, bream and dace and, if current levels of pollution continue, it could lead to the extinction of sea trout altogether in the Ouse.”

He is taking utility company Southern Water to court, counter-suing them for “loss of amenity” after it began legal action over his unpaid bills. Since 2021 Deacon has refused to pay more than £1 a month because he blames Southern Water for river pollution. His story is featured in both The Guardian and BBC News. He also has a crowd funding appeal to help him raise capital towards court costs.

It’s really worth reading about Mike’s special affinity with the Ouse, the steep decline in its health he’s observed over the years and how he plans to take Southern Water to task. We wish you all the best with your endeavours Mike and thank you for raising the profile of our river.