Liberal Democrat Leader Sir Ed Davey has visited the river Wye where he looked at the issue of pollution.

Ahead of crunch local elections in Powys in May, Sir Ed joined Welsh party leader Jane Dodds to take part in monitoring water pollution in the River Wye with citizen scientists.

There are several groups dotted along the length of the river, the fourth longest in the UK, monitoring levels of harmful pollutants.

Sir Ed also held a round table on the cost of living crisis during the visit to Powys on Saturday with Mrs Dodds, who lives in Hay-on-Wye on the Herefordshire border.

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The Liberal Democrats will be hoping to make gains at the expense of Conservative and Independent members of the Council that they accuse of mismanaging resources over the last 5 years.

Commenting on his Visit Ed Davey said: "Communities want to see action on sewage dumping in rivers like the Wye, Usk and Severn.

"We are the only party with a laser-like focus on protecting Wales' pristine natural environment."

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The health of the river Wye remains a key issue for Powys and Herefordshire, with the two county councils previously holding talks about how the tackle issues, particularly of phosphates ­– with the poultry farming industry heavily criticised by environmentalists.

The Environment Agency, which only covers England, said recently that it was taking “robust steps” with partner organisations including Natural Resources Wales – it's counterpart over the border – to tackle the damaging sources of pollution in the Wye.

Recent Government funding will support regulatory activity in the river catchment, with more frequent farm visits focusing on high-risk locations and previously non-compliant businesses, a spokesperson said.

Jesse Norman, MP for Hereford and South Herefordshire, has previously urged for a better cross-border effort to combat the pollution in the Wye, which runs from the source in Powys to the Severn Estuary.