EURO MPs have joined forces across the political divides to call on the Government to invest in cutting pollution from North West water treatment works including one near Blackburn.

Tory, Sir Robert Atkins, Liberal Democrat Chris Davies, and Labour's Gary Titley, have written to Environment Minister Michael Meacher.

They point out that a number of rivers in the region still have poor water quality and few fish.

And they highlight Environment Agency proposals to redevelop and improve work at seven sites.

They include Samlesbury which discharges into Hole Brook and the River Darwen and Kearsley in Bolton which discharges into the River Irwell.

The MEPs say water quality in all the rivers for centuries suffered severe pollution and that a £50million redevelopment scheme would allow them to support course fish such as roach, chub, pike, perch as well as allowing migratory fish to pass through them to up-river spawning grounds.

Water regulator OFWAT has refused to sanction the spending but the MEPs want Mr Meacher to authorise a programme of investment and support it with government cash as soon as possible.

The MEPs add: "There is little doubt that people in the North West believe that the quality of water throughout the region should at least equal that now achieved in areas elsewhere. Sadly, this is not yet the case."

Ofwat is inviting people in East Lancashire to its meeting in Bridgewater House, Whitworth Street, Manchester, at 1.30pm on Thursday jan25.