MORE than 5,000 people have now joined a landmark legal claim over pollution in the Rivers Wye, Lugg and Usk, with less than a month remaining for residents and businesses to take part.

The group action, described as the largest environmental pollution claim of its kind in the UK, has attracted around 5,100 claimants from across the river catchment areas. The High Court has set a deadline of August 31 for anyone wishing to join.

The claim alleges pollution has been caused by industrial poultry operations overseen by Avara Foods and its UK subsidiary Freemans of Newent, alongside sewage discharges from Welsh Water.

Lawyers argue that chicken manure spread on farmland as fertiliser runs off into the rivers, increasing nutrient and bacteria levels. They claim this has contributed to algal blooms, declining wildlife and illness linked to river use, as well as financial impacts on tourism, fishing businesses, waterfront property values and housing development.

Last month, Natural England reported that phosphorus levels throughout the River Lugg catchment exceed environmental targets, with excess nutrients driving algal growth and changes to aquatic plant communities.

The legal action also points to sewage pollution, following Environment Agency data showing Welsh Water recorded at least 12,500 hours of sewage spills from 45 overflow locations in England during 2024.

People who have been affected through hobbies such as wild swimming, kayaking or fishing, as well as businesses and homeowners, may be eligible to join the claim. Those impacted by the Lugg planning moratorium are also included.

Leigh Day partner Oliver Holland said the case had entered its "final few weeks" before the court-ordered deadline.

He urged anyone who believes they have been affected by pollution in the Wye, Lugg or Usk catchments to join the claim before the August Bank Holiday cut-off.