A CLEANER and better cared for River Marden would have benefits for Calne including tourism and wellbeing as well as an improved environment.

That was the pitch made by the Bristol Avon Rivers Trust (BART) project manager Harriet Alvis at the Monday meeting of Calne Town Council meeting as she asked for councillors to give up to £10,000 towards the project.

"Calne is the main town on the river so it is really important to look after it," she said, "I have reports that sewage has been discharged into the river."

She said that phosphates and other pollutants had been found in the river with some chemicals coming from household white goods such as washing machines.

The money would cover computer software to evaluate the river and its potential flood risks and also the work necessary to implement improvements.

These would include the removal of fallen trees along the banks of the river along with build ups of silt, the cleaning up of litter and refuse from the River Marden, tackling pollution and engineering a flow of the river in Calne so as to attract wildlife.

Her Power Point presentation showed examples of the not for profit Trust's work and of the benefits of looking after rivers.

However councillors were critical of the request for money as it was presented without a break down of costs.

The figure of 'up to £10,000' was considered too vague by councillors.

Cllr Richard Merrick said the only funds available would have to come from Tesco 106 money.

Cllr Alan Hill asked why other communities along the river had not been asked to contribute as it would be unfair if Calne's tax payers were to pay for the clean up along the entire river length.

He acknowledged that Calne was the main town on the river but suggested other parishes could also be approached for funds.

He also asked why the Environment Agency did not undertake the work to which Harriet Alvis replied by saying they were short of funds due to cuts.

After a debate the councillors agreed to ask BART to come back with a more detailed breakdown of the figures.

The river flows through Blacklands Park, Quemerford and Calne past the village of Stanley and joins the Avon near Chippenham.