Sir Gavin Williamson has called for firmer action to be taken against water companies releasing sewage into rivers.
Sir Gavin has led discussions with Severn Trent regarding the levels of raw sewage released into the River Trent. The issue has concerned a local resident, who noted the existence of two sewer overflows in the centre of Stone, one on the Scotch Brook near the town’s Morrisons, and another in Westbridge Park.
Severn Trent was ordered to pay a fine of £2 million earlier this year for allowing huge amounts of raw sewage to discharge into the River Trent from a treatment works near Stoke-on-Trent. The company assured Sir Gavin that they were working on plans to reduce discharges into the river. However, thus far nothing has been done to correct the sewer overflows in Stone.
Sir Gavin has called for Ofwat to take a firmer approach with the water companies responsible.
Sir Gavin said: ‘I’m deeply concerned by the levels of sewage entering the River Trent. Ofwat must take firmer action to stop water companies from polluting our rivers with discharge and I sincerely hope that the new Government commits to its promises to do this. In Parliament, I’ll be following this issue closely and making sure that Ministers take appropriate action.’
