Statutory nuisances and watercourses

In a decision of importance to all local authorities dealing with statutory nuisances, the Court of Appeal has ruled that authorities generally are under no legal duty to consult companies or other bodies before initiating nuisance actions against them. It has also held that the term "watercourse" contained in statutory nuisance legislation covers a wider variety of waters, including rivers, than previously, but does not extend as far as estuaries or coastal waters.