Water pollution scheme extended

Bassenthwaite had been polluted by fertiliser and soil erosion

An initiative to cut pollution in a Cumbrian lake is to be extended after being taken up by 97% of local farmers.

The Catchment Sensitive Farming (CSF) project was set up to reduce the amount of sediment and fertiliser running into watercourses around Bassenthwaite.

Farmers were offered free advice and practical help on a range of subjects designed to improve water quality in lakes, rivers and streams.

The scheme is now being rolled out to the Lower Derwent area.

A series of drop-in sessions will be held at Cockermouth Auction Mart during March and April.

Sandy Brown, Bassenthwaite's CSF officer, said: "We are all working towards better water and farmers have a crucial part to play.

"We have had terrific support already and look forward to seeing new faces from our extended area."