Call for action to stop sewage dumping

The Liberal Democrats have called for a new protected status for local rivers, after shocking figures reveal that Anglian Water dumped sewage 1,500 times in South Northamptonshire in 2023

Analysis of official data from the Environment Agency by the party shows that Anglian Water discharged sewage in South Northamptonshire’s waterways for a staggering 16,000 hours in 2023.

In an effort to tackle sewage dumping, the Liberal Democrats have announced a massive expansion of marine protected areas and a new Blue Flag status for rivers will be included in the party’s general election manifesto. The introduction of Blue Flag status would set legally binding targets to prevent sewage dumping in those sites, giving special protected status for swimmers and wildlife. 

South Northamptonshire’s Liberal Democrats have led the way in campaigning against sewage dumping in the area. Nationally the party recently announced plans to abolish Ofwat, introducing a new regulator with greater powers, which follows its plans for a ban on water company executive bonuses.

Stewart Tolley, Liberal Democrat candidate for South Northamptonshire said:

“South Northamptonshire’s precious rivers, like the Tove, have been destroyed after years of a Conservative government letting water firms get away with environmental vandalism. It is time we got tough on polluting and profiteering water firms, yet the former Conservative MP here voted against stronger regulation. This scandal has to end now. The Conservative party has failed to protect swimmers and wildlife. 

The Liberal Democrats will have the boldest manifesto on cleaning up our rivers and coastlines. For the sake of our environment and public health our waters should not be polluted with sewage.”