Bawter Carr Pollution in Grafton

The well documented pollution incident in the Bawter Carr Drain (https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/local-news/small-scale-environmental-disaster-stinking-34181922) was discussed at the Parish Council meeting last night (Monday 29 June 2026).

It didn’t take long to establish that this is a grave and long term situation with health implications everyone should be aware of, particularly dog walkers and those with young children.

The Beck is flush with toxic chemicals, uninhabitable for aquatic life, dangerous to other mammals (including us) and will remain so for the foreseeable future. Trees along the bank are already showing signs of stress, likely unrecoverable. The Environment Agency is aware of the situation and has erected barriers to prevent the spill from seeping into the River Ure, but we are struggling to get any additional information from them.

Please keep dogs on a lead when in proximity. We are aware of two dogs (out-with the village) that have been put down since coming into contact with the water.

The map above shows the location of the water course.

Rob Shepherd
Chair, Marton cum Grafton Parish Council