Envionmental activists took to an historic landmark calling for more action to protect Norwich's waterways.

Extinction Rebellion (XR) Norwich members and various members of swimming groups  gathered at the 14th Century Cow Tower which sits alongside the River Wensum in Norwich on January 28.

Norwich Evening News: People swimming in the River Wensum by Cow Tower in Norwich People swimming in the River Wensum by Cow Tower in Norwich (Image: Sophie Wyllie)

They were part of a national day of action led by XR members after MPs rejected the amendment of the Government's Environment Bill in October 2021.

Several Norfolk MPs voted against placing a new duty on water companies to reduce raw sewage discharges into rivers.

But in November 2021, parliament approved the bill after the Government put forward its own alternative and pressure was put on MPs over the initial rejection from peers and campaigners.

But concerns were raised the proposals were not enough.

As well as taking a dip in the Wensum, English Heritage-style blue plaques were brought out in protest.

James Graham, 34, XR Norwich co-ordinator, said: "It is about accountability.

"We are concerned that when there is too much rain, raw sewage is dumped there. 

"We have gone back to being the dirty man of Europe and we are better than this."

He accepted it was hard to fix the issue but there should be systems in place to stop sewage running into rivers.

Norwich Evening News: Norwich friends Clare Holden (left) and Margaret Harris who regularly swim in the River WensumNorwich friends Clare Holden (left) and Margaret Harris who regularly swim in the River Wensum (Image: Sophie Wyllie)

Clare Holden, from Norwich, who regularly swims in the Wensum, said the fact raw sewage was pumped into rivers was "disgraceful" adding: "It is bad for the environment and bad for people. We are wary after rain."

She described swimming in rivers as "exhilarating" adding it was good for people's mental and physical health and was popular because it got people close to nature.

Norwich Evening News: Peter Smith, who founded Cow Tower Dippers swimming group in January 2022Peter Smith, who founded Cow Tower Dippers swimming group in January 2022 (Image: Sophie Wyllie)

Peter Smith, 76, who has swum in the River Wensum for the past six years and founded Cow Tower Dippers swimming group a year ago, said he had not noticed any sewage in the river but said more intervention was needed to protect the city's "beautiful asset".

Norwich Evening News: Green Party city councillors Lesley Grahame and Gary Champion by the River Wensum in NorwichGreen Party city councillors Lesley Grahame and Gary Champion by the River Wensum in Norwich (Image: Sophie Wyllie)

Gary Champion, Green Party city councillor for the Sewell ward, said: "It is such an important amenity and lovely to see people enjoy it. That is why we need it kept safe for people's health. It is essential to our biodiversity."