LONDON’S iconic river, the Thames, has divided the views of Londoners and across the country.

In a poll of the best and worst rivers in England and Wales, the River Thames, which runs through Bexley, managed to feature prominently in both lists.

It was voted into second place in the best river poll, organised by the Our Rivers campaign, but also took the top spot for the worst river.

Ralph Underhill from the campaign, which is backed by a number of wildlife charities, said:”The strength of opinion on both sides clearly shows it has a special place in the public’s heart.”

He added: “It is under a great deal of pressure due to the sheer number of people who live alongside it.

“The problems the Thames faces are the same as those affecting most of the rivers in England and Wales.”

The most quoted reason for voting the River Thames the best river was that it was “a place to relax”.

Others said: “It is always good to walk along on a sunny afternoon or a rainy Sunday”. and “The Thames is London”.

People were impressed with the improvements in water quality and as a wildlife habitat.

One voter said: “The Thames is one of the cleanest rivers in the UK, despite the fact it runs through the centre of one of the dirtiest cities.”

But those impressed with the river were outweighed by those who were not.

And pollution was the main cause of their dissatisfaction.

One voter said: “It is a filthy excuse for a river despite the Environment Agency saying it is now clean.”

Their main complaints were about discharges of sewage and the run-off of contaminated water from the capital’s busy streets.

Mr Underhill pointed out lots of work, such as plans for the Thames Tunnel to prevent sewage discharges, are already underway to help improve the Thames still further.

The River Wye on the English/Welsh borders was voted the best river.