YELLOW painted fish have popped up on Northwich streets this week as part of a campaign to raise awareness around water quality.

The Environment Agency and partners are working on the ‘Love My River Northwich’ initiative, to increase awareness that any waste entering our drains could potentially kill wildlife in brooks and rivers.

The yellow fish have appeared on drains thanks to Groundwork Cheshire, Lancashire and Merseyside volunteers, as part of the Weaver Gowy Catchment Partnership involving Reaseheath College, Canal and Rivers Trust, United Utilities, Cheshire Wildlife Trust and Cheshire West and Chester Council.

The project aims to address issues around domestic and urban sources of pollution in the River Weaver, River Dane and their tributaries that run through Northwich.

Florence Chen, the Environment Agency’s project manager, said: “Overall we’ve seen a dramatic improve to water quality in the area in the last decade but there is still more to do. It’s really important that we continue to work with partners to ensure this work continues.

“The Love My River Northwich project is a great way for us to get out into the community and speak to people about the work we do along with how the public can help us keep our rivers clean.”

Further events planned this year include a stall at the Northwich River Festival on July 14 and 15.

The Environment Agency urges anyone who notices pollution to land or water to call 0800 807 060