On Friday 2nd September, Sir Geoffrey Clifton Brown MP of the Cotswolds, held one of a series of meetings at Cotswold District Council, to discuss the important issue of River Sewage and Pollution.

Sir Geoffrey brought together senior officials from Gloucestershire County Council, Thames Water and the Environment Agency as well representatives of interest groups such as, Bristol Avon Rivers Trust, Cotswold Fly Fishers and Windrush Against Sewage Pollution.

Full minutes are taken, and the public can ask questions. These minutes will be made available online through Sir Geoffrey’s website

Points arising from the meeting last Friday:

• As a result of pressure from Sir Geoffrey and parliamentary colleagues, the government passed the Environment Act which will require water companies to install flow meters above and below storm discharges. Thames Water informed the meeting that this would be 1000 new meters. The water providers will be required to produce an improvement plan which will be sent to the Water Services Regulation Authority, Ofwat, who will then authorise for water bills to be increased so that investment in sewage capacity can be increased. The data will be published, so everyone can see where the pollution is taking place.

• It was stated in the meeting that UK water bills were amongst the bottom quarter in Europe, meaning that bills will have to rise in order keep our rivers clean.

• Specific catchment areas were discussed, for example, the capacity at Ampney St Peter sewage treatment works, which is thought to be the second worst in the Cotswolds. The problem being Tetbury Sewage Works discharging untreated sewage into the river. The Environment Agency were asked a full report on this.

• Further items of discussion involved the serious pollution of the River Ray near Swindon, where all fish and other wildlife have been wiped out. The cause of this being a burst from a pressured rising water main, which is being fully investigated by Thames Water and the Environment Agency. A full report on this was requested.

Commenting on Friday’s meeting, Sir Geoffrey said:

“I am extremely pleased with the level engagement by senior officials. This meeting, which is a series that has been going on for some years, not only updates the public on what is being done, but more importantly, what further work needs to be done. A step change has been taken by the Government through the Environment Agency to tackle river sewage pollution, which is now a much higher priority, with Thames Water being fined £20 million in 2017.

“As a Member of Parliament, the advantage of these meetings is that I can apply pressure on senior officials from water companies, local councils as well as provide a platform for my constituents and local interest groups who wish to engage with them directly.  

“While the Liberal Democrats posture on this issue, it is only the Government which continues to support me on this issue, and it is through the Government that real action will be undertaken to ensure our Rivers our protected for years to come.”