River Rights Charter for the River Ouse

On 23rd July, Newhaven Town Council unanimously passed the River Rights Charter for the River Ouse.

Brought forward by Lib Dem councillors James Harrison and Lesley Boniface, this commits the council to put the river’s health at the heart of future decision making.

The council will now work with neighbouring authorities and groups to protect the Ouse from pollution, support its wildlife, and work towards its restoration for the benefit of future generations.

James Harrison said: “The River Ouse is at the heart of Newhaven and our wider community, but for too long our rivers have been treated as somewhere pollution can simply be dumped. This charter is about putting the health of the Ouse at the heart of the decisions we make and working together to protect its wildlife, clean up our river and leave it in a better state for future generations.”