MP secures meeting with Environment Minister over River Kent sewage campaign

On the floor of the House of Commons last night, Cumbrian MP Tim Farron challenged ministers to force water companies to clean up their act when it comes to sewage being discharged into local lakes and rivers.

According to the Rivers Trust, that Staveley wastewater treatment works discharged sewage into the River Kent for 1172 hours last year.

Speaking during an adjournment debate on Bathing Water Status for rivers, Tim said: "We are seeking bathing status and clean water status for the River Kent. The "Clean River Kent" campaign has raised over £8,000 to do sampling, lab testing and surveys - massive thanks to them for raising that money, and to the people who sponsored me to do the Staveley trail run to help raise a bit of it.

"Does the Minister agree that the regulator should be driving this work, instead of local groups having to raise the money to do it?

"Does she also agree that the water companies could come up with some of the money to fund these bids, because, let's be honest, it is their fault that the rivers are not in a clean state to start off with?"

In response, the Environment Minister Trudy Harrison said: "The honourable Gentleman raises an excellent point on the part water companies must play in cleaning up our lakes, rivers and coastal areas.

"I am a neighbouring MP and will be delighted to meet him to talk about the natural management that could be done - very much part of my portfolio in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs - to assist in cleaning up Lake Windermere in particular and of course the River Kent."