Hyde Park stream turns bright blue, sparking concerns of water pollution

Locals in Tameside are expressing concerns as the stream within Hyde Park has taken on a peculiar bright chemical blue colour, prompting suspicions of potential water pollution.

Facebook is abuzz with speculations about whether the pollution is from any plant which may have washed out into the stream during the heavy storm.

The underground drainage system in the area is known to be intricate, making it challenging to pinpoint the exact source of the pollution.

Reports about the canal alongside Ann Street in Hyde have also emerged, exhibiting the same blue hue, indicating a potential runoff from the park. It’s concerning as the canal overflow drains into Wilson Brook, which eventually joins the River Tame.

Residents have taken swift action by notifying the Government Environment Agency, expressing their concerns about the possible environmental impact and seeking an investigation into the matter.

However, this problem with stream pollution in Hyde Park seems to be an ongoing problem. Residents can trace back their memory on this local issue for as long as five years.

Hyde Cllr Hugh Roderick shares the same concern with the resident. He said the Council have no power on this, and the government Environment Agency (EA) has to look into it. 

"It's incredibly frustrating and a long-term problem. I take my daughter to the same park and can totally empathise with the concern. 

"Previously, the EA said they've no resources. But after several and frequent complaints, they have started sending an investigator. The problem is that the brooke passes through many areas and covers several chemical plants. So, it's difficult to pinpoint exactly which one is causing the problem in one specific instance," he said.

Speaking with Tameside Reporter, Andrew Gwynne, MP for Denton & Reddish, said:

“I’ve long been concerned about discharges into Wilson Brook in Hyde which enters the Tame at Broomstair in Denton. 

"I’ve raised several complaints directly with the Environment Agency on behalf of concerned constituents and groups like the Friends of the Tame Valley, and I know my colleague Jonathan Reynolds, in who’s constituency Wilson Brook runs, has too.

"The Environment Agency must do more to identify the culprits of these all-too-frequent discharges and fine them. 

"It’s little wonder that the Tame has the unenviable reputation as one of the most polluted rivers in England when the investigatory authority takes such a lax attitude to pollution control. 

"I will be working with Jonathan to raise this issue with the Environment Secretary, who needs to get a grip of his department, in Parliament."

A spokesperson of Hyde Park group, Marilyn Hadley said: 

"Right now the issue has been passed through to two MP's, United Utilities and TMBC. I would like to give them time to rectify the problem before commenting on it."

As Tameside Reporter delves into the chronic situation, locals anxiously await further information on the cause of the stream's frequent discolouration and potential risks associated with the pollution.