An inquiry into how the River Itchen is being used is to be launched this autumn, Southampton City Council has announced.

A panel of councillors will hold monthly meetings to identify the different uses and users of the river and the challenges it presents.

It comes after residents in the St Denys area reported a smell akin to “festering, hot sewage” during the heatwave which they say forced them to keep windows shut.

According to the council, the aim of the inquiry is to focus on protecting, preserving, and promoting the Itchen River in Southampton.

The inquiry will also consider good practices being employed elsewhere in the country to understand what initiatives could work well in the city.

Throughout the inquiry, the panel will also be seeking to hear from key stakeholders and understand the views of the communities about the river Itchen.

READ MORE: Residents disgusted after smell like 'festering, hot sewage' plagues Southampton

Cabinet Member for Housing and the Green Environment, Councillor Lisa Mitchell, said: “The River Itchen has been the lifeblood of Southampton since Roman and Saxon times and is an important natural resource. 

“However, we are aware that the river is used and enjoyed by numerous and, at times, competing groups. 

“We know that there are many pressures on the Itchen and our hope is that an inquiry can explore these challenges and seek to identify, with our partners, some solutions to the current problems.” 

To help inform the inquiry, residents are encouraged to complete a brief survey which closes on October 3. 

The inquiry is due to commence on October 6 with a final report scheduled to be agreed by the panel in April 2023.

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