We are a community group based in Leicester and Leicestershire who are campaigning to stop the pollution of the River Soar, its tributaries and brooks for future generations.

How are we doing this?

• We are shouting loudly and campaigning against water companies dumping sewage into our waterways and pushing them, the regulators, and MPs to step up and make changes.

• Analysing data and creating forensic reports to document evidence of sewage and agricultural pollution.

• Carrying out fortnightly citizen science testing to check the health of the waterways.

• Holding events and meetings to discuss actions and next steps.

• Actively working with other river and environment groups.

• Educating those in the community.

Our Principles: Independence and Transparency

Clean River Action is an independent, community‑led organisation. Our work is grounded in evidence, public accountability and the belief that communities have a right to clear, accessible information about the health of their rivers.

Independence is essential to that mission. It ensures that our work is shaped by the needs of local people and the condition of our waterways not by corporate interests, engagement strategies or managed communication channels.

1. Independence from Corporate Influence

We do not participate in stakeholder programmes, engagement teams or private dialogue structures operated by water companies or other regulated bodies.

These routes are designed for relationship‑management, not transparency.

Our responsibility is to the public, not to corporate engagement frameworks.

2. Formal, Written, Public‑Interest Communication

For matters involving pollution, river health, environmental information or regulatory compliance, we use formal, written and auditable processes.

This includes Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) requests, published correspondence and clear public reporting.

These processes protect the community’s right to know and ensure accountability.

3. Transparency as a Core Duty

We publish our evidence, our data, our questions and where appropriate the responses we receive.

Transparency is not a courtesy. It is a legal and democratic principle that underpins public trust and environmental protection.

4. Community First

Our work is shaped by the needs, concerns and experiences of local residents, families, volunteers and river users.

We are not here to represent corporate interests or to act as intermediaries.

We are here to support communities in understanding, monitoring and defending their rivers.

5. Evidence Above Opinion

Our positions are based on data, documented observations, regulatory standards and publicly available information.

Independence allows us to report findings honestly, without pressure to soften, reframe or dilute what the evidence shows.

6. Accountability Without Fear or Favour

We hold all organisations public or private to the same standards of transparency, accuracy and environmental responsibility.

Independence ensures that our scrutiny is fair, consistent and free from influence.

7. Public Ownership of River Health

Rivers belong to communities.

Independence allows us to support residents in building the knowledge, confidence and tools needed to protect the waterways they care about.