WILDLIFE on the River Mersey is at risk because of illegal jet skiing warn worried residents and nature lovers.

Witnesses say that jet skiers are regularly using the Mersey at Howley without permission which is putting wildlife and waterfowl at risk.

One angry resident, who did not wish to be named, said: "This is a small stretch of water which is home to many swans, ducks and now great crested grebes.

"It is a quiet backwater but it's being disrupted daily by these noisy, polluting menaces," she said.

Jet ski company Hi-Surf, which is based at Howley Quay, has also spotted rogue jet skiers using the river.

Manager Richard Brookhouse said: "The skiers have been launching from the other side of the river and not from here which some people think.

"The police came down to see us about the complaints and actually saw them launching from the opposite bank," he said.

The section of the Mersey is owned by the Manchester Ship Canal Company which has been investigating the complaints, which date back to mid-June.

John Rutherford, of the Manchester Ship Canal Company, said: "We are aware of the problem and the harbour master at Eastham is looking into it.

"When we have been informed our mobile security has been alerted but it is just catching them in the act.

"But whoever is using the river is doing so without permission," he said.

Warrington Borough Council nature officer Dave Bell has also received several complaints but is almost powerless to act.

He said: "We know what's going on and of course we're worried about the impact on wildlife if it is being disturbed but unfortunately it is out of our juristiction," he said.

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