A motion that recognises and protects the rights of chalk streams and rivers in East Hampshire will be presented to EHDC at their full council meeting next Thursday (November 27).

The cross-party motion seconded by Whitehill & Bordon Community Party councillor Penny Flux will be presented by Alton Liberal Democrat councillor Ginny Boxall.

She hopes EHDC will follow the likes of their Basingstoke, Test Valley and Southampton counterparts to back the motion given the pressures facing the likes of the Rother, Wey, Meon and Itchen from pollution, over-abstraction, habitat degradation and climate change.

The inspiration has come from the “Universal Declaration of the Rights of Rivers” which promotes their right to flow freely, be free from pollution, and to regenerate.

She said: “Rivers are vital to the ecological health, cultural heritage and future sustainability of East Hampshire.

“Our district is home to some of the most beautiful and precious rivers in the world. They provide habits for unique and endangered species, supporting livelihoods, recreation and the wellbeing of our residents.”

She added: “The motion will, among other things, embed river rights principles into council policies, particularly those concerning planning, development, land use, water quality and management, and biodiversity.”