Lib Dem MPs calls for crackdown on Wessex Water

Taunton and Wellington MP Gideon Amos has joined calls for even tougher action on Wessex Water to clean up our rivers and beaches.

He joined Liberal Democrat MPs from across the South West in issuing a joint statement following water regulator Ofwat's proposal for an £11million enforcement package for the water company.

It came after an investigation that found that failures and mismanagement of their waste water led to 'unjustified sewage spills' which had 'not gone through all the treatment processes it is supposed to before being released into the environment'.

Gideon is a keen wild swimmer and was a leading campaigner in the successful application for the River Tone through Taunton's French Weir Park to be granted Bathing Water Status.

The Lib Dem statement said: “Wessex Water has committed environmental vandalism for far too long, carelessly polluting beaches and rivers throughout the South West with filthy sewage. New enforcement is vital - but this fine alone won’t be anything like enough to protect local families.

“No amount of money from Wessex Water could atone for the damage already done, but we must ensure these reckless water companies put an end to sewage dumping and stop putting profit above people once and for all.

“This Labour government’s action on protecting our waterways has been too little, too late, after the Conservatives let the problem fester. Wessex Water must ensure this investment is targeted at the most important parts of the network such as the River Tone in Taunton and Wellington.

“The Government must act to introduce new blue flag protections for all our precious rivers, and follow through with their commitment to replacing the defunct Ofwat with a regulator with teeth. Only then can we start to properly hold water companies to account.”