A RIVER runing through Haringey has been voted the fourth worst in England and Wales, according to a poll released today.

Thousands of people have cast their vote for their favourite river or to say which waterways need more attention, as part of the RSPB-backed Our Rivers awards.

The River Lea, which snakes from Hackney to Hertfordshire through land near Tottenham Marshes, was voted fourth worst, behind the Thames, The Kennet in Wiltshire, and The Mersey in Liverpool.

One of the main reason for the river's poor performance in the poll was pollution from the streets, as many of those who voted pointed out.

One voter said: “Parts of the River Lea are beautiful, but in Hackney a combination of neglect, rubbish and pollution have taken their toll.

“This is saddening on any river, but to me it seems sadder still because the Hackney stretch of the Lea provides a window onto wildlife and the countryside in central London - something rare that should be treasured.”

Others bemoaned a lack of fish stocks, poor public access, and the disappearance of resident swans from the river.

What do you think? What do you think of the River Lea? Leave your comments below.