Anger simmers anew over RSPB decision to surrender Rye Meads lease back to controversial water company

                                   

Feelings continue to run high over the RSPB's decision to wash its hands of the Rye Meads nature reserve in Hertfordshire. At Saturday's annual meeting of the society, finance director Russell Powell sought to reassure attendees that Thames Water, the organisation to which the lease has been returned, was legally obliged to safeguard the reserve and its wildlife because of its status as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. However, below, as the chatbox messages show, members were less confident.   Photo of Rye Meads: RSPB