The Scottish Environment Protection Agency has donated all the original papers and minutes from the former Solway River Purification Board to the Dumfries & Galloway Council Libraries, Information & Archives.

The records contain a wide range of information on the development and management of Solway RPB and how it achieved significant improvements in water quality throughout its 42 years.

"SEPA is delighted these archives will be available for public use. Solway RPB was a well-respected and effective organisation and, although it did not achieve all its objectives, water quality improved enormously during its life as an environmental regulator." said David Tervet, SEPA Divisional Manager and former Director of Solway RPB. "SEPA is now responsible for the protection of all aspects of the environment - water, air and land, taking on the duties and responsibilities of the Solway RPB in April 1996."

The archive will be held securely at the Ewart Library in Dumfries, where it will be made available for consultation by members of the public.

"This is a very welcome addition to our collection and is an excellent and complete resource of Primary source material of an important local organisation," said Alastair Johnston, Libraries, Information and Archives Manager

NOTES

Photographs will be available from Jim McEwan on 01387 262435