Thames Water has admitted that pollution of the River Ver, which has followed heavy rainfall, was "unacceptable".

Data shared by the water company showed that a storm overflow in Markyate had been discharging sewage into the River Ver continually for 850 hours.

The BBC revealed yesterday (Thursday, April 25) that The Environment Agency is investigating the pollution, which the Ver Valley Society say has been pumped into the river for more than a month.

Herts Advertiser: Near-extinct water voles have been thriving on the River Ver in St Albans.Near-extinct water voles have been thriving on the River Ver in St Albans. (Image: Terry Whittaker)

A spokesperson for Thames Water said: "We regard all discharges as unacceptable and taking action to improve the health of rivers is a key focus for us.

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"We appreciate how much our waterways are loved and we want everyone to be able to enjoy them.

"We have published plans to upgrade over 250 of our sites, including our Markyate sewage treatment works.

"This will improve performance and reduce the number of overflows during heavy rainfall."