URGENT action is needed to improve the health of rivers and lakes across Bolton.

Figures from the Environment Agency have shown that no bodies of water are in good health.

Each monitored body in England failed new, stricter standards for chemical pollution, meaning that none could be given an overall clean bill of health.

Conservationists say the new data reveals the true poor state of rivers, lakes, and streams across the country, with just 16 per cent of waters showing healthy populations of fish, insects, and aquatic plants.

Campaigners warn that England is on track to miss targets in the EU Water Framework Directive that all water bodies should be in good condition by 2027.

Richard Benwell, chief executive of the Wildlife and Countryside Link coalition of conservation groups, said: “Chemicals, sewage, manure and plastic are polluting our rivers, invasive weeds are choking them, and climate change and over-abstraction are drying them out.

“Urgent investment is needed now to turn our suffering waters into thriving blue corridors for wildlife.

“It means investment, industry change, and improved standards are essential, with the legal underpinning to make our waters well again.”