Former Environment Secretary Steve Barclay has questioned the response to a major incident which killed almost 900 fish at Kings Delph, close to Whittlesey.

In September 2024, the Environment Agency reported a “fish kill” between Stanground Lock and King’s Delph which led to to deaths almost 900 fish.

According to the Environment Agency, Anglian Water’s nearby pumping station suffered a pump failure which resulted in sewage being discharged into the water for around 23 hours on Sunday, September 22.

Residents described the river as a “swamp of dead fish” and also reported that the moorhens, ducks and swans, usually seen on the river, were nowhere to be seen more than a day after.

placeholder image — Dead fish at King's Delph.

The Environment Agency has confirmed that an investigation into the incident has already been completed and that a file of evidence is set to be reviewed.

In parliament, Steve Barclay, MP for North East Cambridgeshire, raised a question why no prosecution had been made.

Addressing Water Minister Emma Hardy, Mr Barclay said: “After a serious pollution incident, the Environment Agency produce a HELP report that is shared with her officials. So she will have been notified of a category one- the most serious of pollution incidents that occurred in September in 2024 in Stanground, near Whittlesey, yet no prosecution has been made. Can the Secretary of State explain why?”

In response, he was told that the minister would look into the incident and respond in writing.

An Environment Agency spokesperson said: "We share the public’s anger on pollution, like the incident in Whittlesey.

“Specialist officers completed a thorough and complex investigation in December. A decision on next steps will be made in due course, and we keep all enforcement options under review.

“Anyone who suspect pollution in our waterways is urged to contact the Environment Agency’s 24-hour incident hotline: 0800 807060.”