As soon as it is legally possible the names of the companies involved in the current pollution of the River Worth will be spread across the pages of this newspaper.

It is possible to do that now - but such a 'name and shame' publication might jeopardise any subsequent prosecutions. Environmental experts and investigators say they know a number of firms are involved and are working on putting together detailed evidence for legal consideration.

But whatever happened to honesty and public accountability? We challenge the firms involved - and they know who they are - to step forward and make a public declaration.

Then they should dig deep and pay for the costs of cleaning up the river and sponsor ongoing work to restore the river and protect the wildlife.

Now with greater protection than ever, staff at these firms could step forward and give the Environment Agency or the Council's environmental protection officer information.

One German visitor apparently stated that British industry does more damage to the countryside than the Luftwaffe ever did.

It would be funny if it wasn't so true.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.