MORE THAN 100 people packed out a Hampshire church as the row over pollution in the River Arle rumbles on.

Members of the public and campaigners met at St John’s Church, in Alresford, to discuss fears that the river is being put under threat by chemicals from salad-washing company Bakkavor.

Roger Harrison, vice president of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust told the meeting: “The river has got two major issues, pollution and abstraction.

“By using the river as a drain, Bakkavor has avoided paying sewage charges of £40,000 a year for several decades. Protection of this river is needed.”

Mr Harrison added that the chemicals shouldn’t be used near water tables and had a long-term impact on wildlife, citing the decline in the various animals that used to be abundant near the River Itchen.

Hampshire wildlife expert Graham Roberts said: “We don’t know what chemicals [the salad] has been subjected to. Up to quite recently they were washing salad in chlorine.

“It’s a battle and it isn’t over.”

Alresford Pond owner Tony Chambers also criticised Winchester City Council for granted Bakkavor planning permission, arguing that the firm only employs six Alresford residents.