PLANS to farm mussels on the River Stour would be a “win-win” for both the economy and environment if given the green light, it is claimed.

Wash Mussels has applied for an order from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to allow it to fish for blue mussels.

The company wants to find out if mussels can be sustainably fished in the river.

Peter Scott, partner at Quality Solicitors Parkinson and Wright, acting on behalf of Wash Mussels, said the mussels would be introduced and allowed to grow to full size before being harvested for human consumption.

He said: “They will either be sold to the UK market or it will provide opportunities to export the mussels to the continent.”

The consultation runs until April 6. To have your say, go to qualitysolicitors.com

Read the full story in this week’s Standard, out now.