MP slams United Utilities bid to take water from Windermere

Local MP Tim Farron has criticised United Utilities for planning to take half a metre of water from Windermere, a plan which would make it impossible for most of the boats to operate on the lake.

United Utilities say they are applying for a drought permit to take half a metre of water from the lake, unless there is "meaningful rain" between now and September.

But local businesses say this would make it impossible for the majority of steamers and boats to operate.

Tim said: "The steamers and boats that run on Windermere are vital to our local tourism economy and the businesses who operate them.

"United Utilities need to realise the serious consequences of taking this action.

"People will be incredulous as the local economy takes a massive hit at a time when United Utilities lose a quarter of all of the water they put into their system through leaks.

"Every other option must be exhausted because it's clear that removing half a metre of water from Windermere is absolutely a non-starter."