Campaigners want Thames Water fine spent on clean up

Water quality campaigners say they are delighted at the record £122.7m fine handed to Thames Water, but have said only a complete overhaul of the industry can clean up the UK's rivers.

The company was hit with the fine by regulator Ofwat for repeatedly breaching rules over sewage spills and making payouts to shareholders when it is in dire financial straights.

Wiltshire-based Action for the River Kennett (Arc) said the sum must now be spent on reversing environmental damage caused by years of spills, adding that wastewater infrastructure in the area is in "a desperate state".

Thames Water said it takes its responsibility towards the environment "very seriously".