Yorkshire Water's bid to extend its licence to drain water from the River Wharfe for another 15 years should go to a public inquiry, says Bradford Council.

Members of the policy and resources committee voted last night to express concern about the plan, and the council is now calling on Deputy Prime Minister and Environment Secretary John Prescott to 'call in' the application.

If this happens, the matter will go to a public inquiry.

In its official response to YW's proposals, the council says the issue deserves "a wider public examination of the issues and the consideration of sustainability principles."

Environmentalists fear that continued abstractions from the River Wharfe will lead to the lowering of the water table which in drought years could seriously affect wildlife.

The council says it does not believe YW has demonstrated a need for river abstractions in preference to other water supply options.

The report states: "YW has not demonstrated that they have fully explored all opportunities for leakage reduction and water efficiency."

Council leader Ian Greenwood said: "YW's reputation was tarnished three years ago in a way that will not be repaired for a long time. It's a different organisation now, much more responsive to the public but nevertheless people of the district are suspicious of these proposals."

The move follows a row last week when Yorkshire Water came under fresh criticism as it unveiled new plans to alter its abstraction methods from the River Wharfe.

The company announced its intention to give up a licence granted in 1996 following the previous year's drought, which allowed it to take an extra 1.6 billion gallons of water a year from the river, which supplies Bradford, Otley and Ilkley.

Instead it will revert back to an historic licence, which it has asked the Environment Agency to renew on a 15-year basis.

The company has also announced plans to stop taking water at its Hollins abstraction point in Burley-in-Wharfedale and to move its abstractions further downstream to Arthington, a move it says will have a positive environmental impact, resulting in more water being left in the river along a longer stretch.

Environment groups expressed their worries about the plans. Penny Ward, spokesman for Water Watch, said: "The River Wharfe is such a valuable river and must not be damaged any further.

"The river's ecology has already been damaged because of a reduced flow. What Yorkshire Water should be doing is considering things like bank side storage."

A period of public consultation will now take place and the Environment Agency is asking people to express their views by December 29. A spokesman for the Agency added that, while it welcomed Yorkshire Water's application, all comments from the public would be taken on board before determining the application.

Yorkshire Water stressed that the new proposals have been drawn up following extensive public consultation with more than 80 interested parties.

Objections can be made in writing to the Water Resources team leader, Environment Agency, Coverdale House, Amy Johnson Way, Clifton Moor, York, YO30 4GZ.

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