Liberal Democrats call for protected status for rivers in North Northamptonshire after sewage dumped 2189 times in 2023

The Liberal Democrats have called for a new protected status for local rivers and marine protected areas, after shocking figures reveal that Anglian Water dumped sewage 2189 times in the old Corby, Wellingborough and Kettering constituencies in 2023.

Analysis of official data from the Environment Agency by the party shows that Anglian Water discharged sewage in North Northamptonshire’s waterways for a staggering 17,850 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. 

North Northamptonshire’s Liberal Democrats have been campaigning locally 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.

Chris Lofts, Liberal Democrat candidate for Corby and East Northamptonshire, said:

“Our county’s precious rivers have been destroyed after years of a Conservative government letting water firms get away with environmental vandalism. We need action on this issue, not just more words.”

“It is time we brought in a new regulator and got tough on polluting and profiteering water firms, yet Conservative MPs have stood by whilst swimmers have become ill and wildlife is killed by sewage discharges. 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. Families should be free to enjoy our rivers and riverbanks, or visit the seaside, safe in the knowledge that our waters are not polluted with sewage.”