No swimming warning issued as dead swans and fish found in River Stour

A kayaker believes “something terrible” has happened to a river where he saw a large number of dead fish and dead swans.

Hector Sainsbury, who regularly uses the River Stour at Eye Bridge near Wimborne, Dorset, said he took a sick swan to a rescue centre after finding it on Sunday.

The National Trust, which owns the land, has put up signs near the bridge warning people not to swim there.

According to the Environment Agency, there were no signs of pollution or dead wildlife at the site and water quality tests were “within expected ranges”.

Mr Sainsbury first noticed a “chemical smell” about four weeks ago.

He said: “We found a swan that had passed by, then we found one that was in particularly poor condition lying on the bank and we managed to get it to a local rescue centre.

“The number could well be in the hundreds of (dead) fish that I have seen in the last few weeks.”

The region’s new MP, Vikki Slade, said she visited the site and spoke to fishermen and stand-up paddlers.

“There were rumors of a very strong smell and rumors that children had become sick after using the river,” she said.

“If this is an environmental pollution incident, we must ensure that those involved are held accountable.

“If this is a natural, steady decline, we need to bring in experts to help us figure out how to make our river vibrant for wildlife and safe for people,” the Liberal Democrat MP added.

The Environment Agency was on site on Sunday and Monday, but said: “Samples show that all field tests of water quality were within the normal and expected range for the stream at this time of year.”

A National Trust spokesman said: “We are aware of reports regarding water quality at Eye Bridge and are in contact with the Environment Agency and Wessex Water regarding this.”

“There are signs advising people not to swim in the river.”