A BAR worker is appealing to find funds to improve a beloved river as she is fed up of staring at a "swamp" every day.

Nichola Sparkes, from Halstead, works in the bar at Halstead Royal British Legion in The Causeway.

Miss Sparkes, 44, from Rye Hills, said she is keen to see more money put into sprucing up the River Colne.

She said: "It really needs doing, it's stagnant and smelly and I just think it's a real shame.

"Halstead is beautiful and there are a lot of local people who work really hard to keep it that way.

"Now the river is dying because it seems no one will accept liability.

"I see it almost every day, it's so sad as there was so much wildlife on it before it became a swamp.

"I hope raising awareness will get something done."

Julia Smith, secretary for Halstead in Bloom, said there were many agencies involved in keeping the River Colne clean.

She said: "Halstead in Bloom is trying to help keep the whole town looking good and we do carry out litter picks along the river.

"At The Causeway we have been told by the Environment Agency that we should not go down into the river bank, but we do tidy other parts of the river."

Jackie Pell, Halstead Town Councillor, said the Environment Agency is ready to start work on improving the river.

She said: "People have been going on about it for years but now there is something actually happening and we are pleased.

"We are looking at The Causeway in particular as it's the part of the river that everyone sees in the town.

"We are looking forward to work actually happening."