A man is “disgusted” by the "overgrown swamp" covering part of the River Colne and is concerned it will affect wildlife.

Simon Geraghty was riled after seeing overgrown trees and hedges on the River Colne riverbank by Topgolf as he walked past last Thursday.

Having fished there when he was a young boy, he believes the area has been neglected.

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He said: “I was walking past, and I was having a look.

“It is falling into disrepair. The trees are overgrown all along.

“I used to come here as a boy to fish and there was lovely free flowing water, but now there is slow movement.

“It’s like an overgrown swamp.”

Watford Observer: He does not think it has been cleared in years. Picture: Simon GeraghtyHe does not think it has been cleared in years. Picture: Simon Geraghty (Image: Simon Geraghty)

Mr Geraghty, who has lived in Watford for more than 25 years, added: “It’s just disgusting.

“We shouldn’t let our rivers fall into that state.

“The deterioration is terrible; it must have been left like this over a course of many years.

“And we are struggling with our water, rivers and wildlife.”

Watford Observer: He said it is falling into disrepair. Picture: Simon GeraghtyHe said it is falling into disrepair. Picture: Simon Geraghty (Image: Simon Geraghty)

After some investigation, Mr Geraghty found out the river falls under the responsibility of Affinity Water.

He said: “I have tried to get hold of them to tidy up the site, but you keep getting an automated service.”

An Affinity Water spokesperson said: “We have no record of a complaint from a Mr Geraghty.”

But they confirmed the company plan to address the issues raised by him.

They said: “We are aware of the area concerned and we have carried out a site visit to look for river restoration opportunities which will be developed further over the next year, and this will include tree work.

“We are also working in partnership on the Rediscovering the River Colne restoration project located immediately downstream of the area which has also been highlighted.”

The project is part of a ten-year plan to restore and renovate Watford’s section of the River Colne.

It’s first phase, which includes improving access and landscaping, started in 2021 and is expected to finish in 2024.

Affinity Water added: “We are also developing river restoration plans along the River Colne upstream of this area with the landowner.”

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