The council has voted to take action for cleaner rivers and seas, becoming the latest UK council to pass the motion.

Councillors were united in backing 'Motion for the Ocean' - a national initiative developed by ocean experts to give councils a clear and practical path to supporting marine recovery.

This involves cutting pollution and improving water quality to making ocean health a part of local planning. 

Cllr Adrian Waddelove raised the motion at the full council meeting on Thursday 17 July, after hearing concerns from residents about pollution, sewage and the loss of biodiversity in local blue spaces. 

"We all want to protect the places we love — whether that's the River Dee, our local canals or the coast," he said.

"This motion sends a clear message: Cheshire West is ready to step up and play its part in tackling the crisis facing our rivers and oceans." 

With this vote, Cheshire West and Chester becomes the 35th UK council to pass the motion.

Local ocean advocate Debbie Powell, Farndon resident and a member of the British Sub-Aqua Club (BSAC), joined the meeting.

She said: "I've seen both the wonders and the damage to our waterways, but you don't have to be a diver or swimmer to care.

"Our rivers and seas belong to everyone and this motion gives communities like ours a real way to make a difference.

"It's brilliant to see CWAC stepping up."   

Emily Cunningham MBE, marine biologist and co-founder of the Motion for the Ocean initiative, added: "This is a brilliant result.

"It shows that communities in Cheshire recognise just how connected we all are to the ocean — even miles from the coast.

"Inland areas send water downstream, and that water carries litter, chemicals and nutrients that impact marine life and coastal economies.

"CWAC has shown real environmental leadership."  

The Motion for the Ocean is supporting better wastewater policies, encouraging local education and citizen science initiatives.

It also captured international interest when recently presented at the UN ocean conference in Nice. 

The British Sub-Aqua Club (BSAC) is encouraging people across the UK to take part, whether you're a diver, swimmer, paddleboarder, dog walker, or just someone who wants cleaner rivers and seas. 

To find out how you or your council can take action, visit here.