MP to take on Staveley Lakeland Trail Run for Clean River Kent campaign

This Saturday, local MP Tim Farron will take on the Staveley 18k Lakeland Trail Run to raise money for the Clean River Kent campaign.

The campaign group is formed of residents from Kendal, Burneside and Staveley who want to significantly reduce the amount of sewage discharged into the River Kent by wastewater treatment works and storm overflows.

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

The campaigners are looking to make an application to DEFRA for safe bathing status to protect the river and are looking to raise funds to test the water quality as supplementary evidence for that application.

Tim said: "The Lakeland Trails are always great fun and great community events and the epic scenery of the Kentmere valley is hopefully enough to take my mind off any discomfort during the race!

"I'm delighted to be raising funds for the Clean River Kent campaign who are doing fantastic work to highlight and tackle the scandal that is sewage being discharged into our local rivers."

Isobel, from the Clean River Kent campaign said: "We are very grateful for Tim's commitment to our cause, plus that of all the volunteers and local organisations that have expressed their support and committed time and funds so far.

"Every little bit of help will ensure we can achieve our goal to keep the unique, beautiful River Kent clean for water-based recreation and to protect local ecology and wildlife."

Tim's fundraising page can be found here.