MP demands answers from United Utilities over ‘environmental vandalism’ to the River Eea in Cark

Local MP Tim Farron has written to the Chief Executive of United Utilities after it was revealed that that the company discharged more sewage at Cark-in-Cartmel than anywhere else in the North West.

Cark-in-Cartmel pumping station in Cumbria discharged sewage into the River Eea for more than 6,471 hours in 2023, according to data published by the Environment Agency.

This is a huge increase of 46% from 2022 when the site spilt for 4,420 hours.

According to the Cark River Group, United Utilities had begun to provide tankers to take away spillages caused by Cartmel Races or other events which use chemical toilets.

In his letter to the water company’s chief executive, Louise Beardmore, Tim asked if United Utilities would “commit to using tankers as opposed to simply using the River Eea as a dumping ground”.

Speaking today, Tim said: “The level of sewage being discharged into the River Eea is simply unconscionable and cannot be seen as anything other than environmental vandalism.

“United Utilities must keep their promise they made to local people by using tankers, rather than polluting our precious river.”