Tim Farron calls on Defra Secretary to prevent reopening of sewage outlet in Windermere

MP Tim Farron has written to Steve Reed, DEFRA Secretary, calling on him to use his powers to prevent the reopening of a sewage outlet into Windermere Lake which has not been used for twenty years. 

As part of the proposals for the new hotel at Ferry House in Far Sawrey, it is being suggested that a localised sewage treatment system would be implemented. This would result in a 100% increase in sewage discharges in the area, as the existing site has functioned solely as a cesspit for decades.

Tim said, “The proposal for the new hotel is a welcome development for the local economy, but it's not acceptable to further increase sewage input into a lake which is already suffering from extensive blue-green algal blooms. The National Park should not sanction this development until suitable and sustainable sewage infrastructure has been agreed by both the Environment Agency and United Utilities.”

Matt Staniek of Save Windermere said, “Labour committed to eliminating sewage into our lake, this is their first chance to prove that commitment. There has been no sewage discharged at this point for twenty years, any agreement to allow this to happen now seriously undermines the long-term protection of Windermere and threatens the local ecology, economy, and long-term cultural significance of England's largest lake.”

Currently, the sewage produced in the area is taken to Ambleside Wastewater Treatment Works by tanker, where it undergoes a higher level of treatment. The proposed solution to implement a localised system could not feasibly achieve this level of treatment. 

Local residents are calling for the existing infrastructure at Ferry House to be converted into a pumping station, to ensure the long-term sustainability of the area and to effectively transport sewage to treatment plants that are equipped with better technology.