Tim Farron challenges Environment Secretary over sewage spills in Windermere

On the floor of the House of Commons last night, Cumbrian MP Tim Farron urged the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs, Steve Reed, to take urgent action to protect Windermere from sewage dumping.

According to the Save Windermere campaign group, sewage was discharged for eight continuous hours yesterday from the pumping station on Glebe Road in Bowness, as a result of heavy rainfall caused by Storm Bert.

Speaking during a ministerial statement in Parliament on Storm Bert, Tim said: “Storm events also have an impact on our sewerage networks.

“Research by the Save Windermere campaign estimates that storm overflows discharging untreated sewage into our lake began at 3.21am this morning and by midday could have reached a volume of 7 million litres.

“Will the Government speed up action to prevent egregious storm overflows like that across our country?”

Responding, Steve Reed said: “The honourable Gentleman mentioned storm overflows. When we have these more severe episodes of rain, it is extremely distressing to see more storm overflows discharging sewage into rivers, lakes and seas. 

“Sir Jon Cunliffe is leading a wider review into the failures of governance and regulation that have led to this situation, and I am sure that the honourable gentleman and Liberal Democrat Members will engage with that. 

“In addition, we are requiring every single outflow to be monitored so that we know what is going into our rivers and can take appropriate action, including through the strengthened powers under the Water (Special Measures) Bill.”