Ulster Unionist leader and East Belfast assembly member Sir Reg Empey has argued that a river which was turned into a "stinking mess" by recent hot weather, should be transformed just as the River Lagan was. A campaign has been launched over the Connswater River, which would see a clean up operation in place complimented by walkways for the local community. Empey went on to say, "For years I have been campaigning for a dramatic redevelopment of the river with Belfast City Council and the East Belfast Partnership, but progress has been painfully slow."
The River Lagan, which runs through Belfast, was also known for its dirty water and often foul smell. However it was transformed through the work of the Laganside Corporation, with the £14 million Lagan Weir a key part of cleaning the water.
