CAMPAIGNERS from End Sewage Pollution Oxford presented the CEO of Thames Water a petition of more than 5,000 signatures calling for the water quality in the river to be improved around the city and a designated bathing water area to be created.

Joined by Oxford City councillor Linda Smith, the group met with CEO Sarah Bentley on Tuesday to discuss the issue of raw sewage pollution.

It comes after data from the Rivers Trust revealed that the water company released raw, untreated sewage into the Thames upstream of Reading 1,300 times, for 17,000 hours in total last year.

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The sewage came mainly from treatment works and pumping stations which had gone overcapacity.

One of the campaigners Claire Robertson commented: "We welcomed the chance to speak to Thames Water representatives directly and relay the concerns of Oxford citizens.

"It was a productive meeting, and we were promised real-time alerts of sewage pollution and support for water quality monitoring in the next few months, as well as upgrades over the next five years to sewage treatment works in Oxford and Witney.

"We look forward to working with Thames Water to ensure these promises are delivered promptly."