West London Waterways Feature in Mayor’s Clean Up Plan

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Brent, Crane Rivers and Grand Union Canal designated as strategic locations

Possible improvements to a towpath on the Grand Union Canal – unlocking more walking and cycling access. Picture: GLA

July 30, 2026

Sir Sadiq Khan has launched a sweeping 10-year Clean Rivers and Waterways Plan that promises to transform London’s blue spaces after what he described as “decades of neglect” by water companies and residents alike. Speaking at the West Reservoir in Hackney, the Mayor said the capital’s 600 kilometres of rivers, canals and waterways have suffered long-term damage from sewage discharge, pollution, poor maintenance and a lack of public access. The new strategy aims to reverse that decline and restore rivers and canals as places where wildlife thrives and Londoners can safely enjoy the water.

The plan identifies ten strategic locations across the city, three of which lie in West London: the River Brent, the Grand Union Canal and the Lower Crane Valley. Each will receive targeted investment, habitat restoration, pollution control and improved access, delivered through partnerships between City Hall, local councils, community groups and Thames Water.

The River Brent, which winds through Greenford, Hanwell and Brentford before joining the Thames, has long been one of West London’s most troubled waterways. Misconnected household pipes, surface-water run-off and historic industrial pollution have left stretches of the river with poor water quality and damaged habitats. Under the new plan, the Brent will see work to remove sewage misconnections, restore riverbanks, improve wildlife corridors and create better access for communities along its length. The lower reaches around Brentford Lock, where the river meets the canal, are expected to be a particular focus.

The Grand Union Canal, running through Alperton, Park Royal, Hayes and Southall, is one of London’s busiest blue corridors, used daily by walkers, cyclists, boaters and anglers. Despite its popularity, the canal suffers from littering, oil pollution, algal blooms and stagnant water in several stretches. The Clean Rivers plan proposes enhanced litter removal, new reedbeds and floating wetlands to boost biodiversity, and improvements to towpaths, signage and seating. Community stewardship programmes will be expanded to help keep the canal clean and accessible.

The Lower Crane Valley, stretching from Cranford through Hounslow to Isleworth, is one of West London’s most ecologically sensitive river systems. The Crane has been hit repeatedly by pollution incidents, including major sewage spills, and its fragmented habitats have struggled to recover. The Mayor’s plan includes stronger pollution controls, rapid-response systems for incidents, wetland restoration and careful improvements to public access. Local volunteer groups, including the Crane Valley Partnership, are expected to play a central role in delivering and monitoring the work.

Sir Sadiq said the plan is backed by £2.7 million in new City Hall funding, on top of £13.5 million already committed, while Thames Water and other partners will contribute £1.8 billion over the next five years. He criticised water companies for their role in the current state of London’s rivers, noting that sewage discharge increased five-fold between 2022 and 2023. He said Thames Water had recognised the consequences of its past inaction and was now working “collegiately” with City Hall, including through the Thames Tideway Tunnel, which is expected to capture 95 per cent of storm overflows that currently spill into the Thames and its tributaries.

The Mayor also warned that Londoners themselves must change their behaviour. He said the city had “dewilded” its rivers and failed to act as custodians of blue spaces, and that better design, bins, benches and signage would help residents feel ownership of their local waterways. He argued that encouraging people to use rivers and canals would lead to greater care and responsibility, just as Londoners have embraced parks and green spaces.

The launch was attended by Deputy Mayor for Environment Mete Coban and MP David Lammy, whose constituency includes the West Reservoir. Khan said the plan’s structure, with different councils and community organisations leading work at different sites, would ensure accountability and shared responsibility across the city.

The 10 strategic locations in the London Clean Rivers and Waterways Plan

• Pymmes Brook, North London

• Salmons Brook, North London

• Upper Lea Valley, North London / Lower Lea Valley and Royal Docks, East London

• Lower Roding, North East London

• Grand Union Canal, North West London

• Lower Crane Valley, West London

• River Brent, West London

• Yeading Brook, West London

• River Ravensbourne, South East London

• River Wandle, South London

Written with contributions from Kumail Jaffer – Local Democracy Reporter

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