MP demands action in Parliament on water pollution in Windermere

On the floor of the House of Commons last night, South Lakes MP Tim Farron urged ministers to take action over the worrying rise of water pollution in Windermere.

In the past week Tim has met with the Environment Minister and tabled an Early Day Motion in Parliament to try and raise the profile of the issue.

It comes as a petition to stop water pollution in the Lake District from local campaigner Matt Staniek has attracted over 100,000 signatures.

Speaking during a debate on the Environment Bill in Parliament, Tim said: "I am deeply concerned about the state and quality of the water in lake Windermere, which is the largest lake in England and the heart of the British tourism industry as the second most-visited place outside of London.

"I draw honourable Members' attention to my early day motion 505, which deals with the issue in more detail. We had untreated sewage going into Lake Windermere for the equivalent of 71 full days in 2020. That is a place in the Lake District with 20 million visitors every year.

I do not want reports; I want action. I do not want an overview to be taken; I would like United Utilities, and others who contribute to the pollution of our largest lake, to be prosecuted and mandated to take immediate action. That is not happening.

"Likewise, when it comes to septic tanks, there is no regulation, no registration and no help for people with septic tanks to make sure that they comply. I want the Government to make better use of the powers that they already have and designate Lake Windermere and the Rivers Brathay, Kent and Rothay as bathing sites, which would allow action to be taken right away.

"My great fear is that the Government want to protect the water companies more than water quality. This is the moment for them to prove that that is not the case."