'Teenagers have been left bedridden after playing in this river - we have to act now'

Declan Carey

10 June 2024 at 1:05 am·2-min read

-Credit: (Image: Mark Waugh Manchester Press Photography Ltd)

Stockport's rivers could be saved from sewage by giving them 'protected status', the Lib Dems say. The party's candidate to be Hazel Grove's next MP, Lisa Smart, said sewage in waterways is an issue that has not been tackled by the Conservatives.

Recent data showed waters around Greater Manchester are at the centre of a national sewage crisis. This found that the Croal and Irwell had the most amount of sewage spills in England in 2023.

To make the UK's rivers cleaner, the Lib Dems are proposing to introduce a new 'Blue Flag' status, which would set targets to prevent sewage ending up in protected areas.

It's part of the party's manifesto for the upcoming general election in July - and Stockport seats Hazel Grove and Cheadle are 'critical' targets according to Lib Dem leader Ed Davey.

Ms Smart, who is also a councillor in Stockport, said that sewage dumped into the river Goyt has caused local health concerns. She added: "Teenagers have been left bedridden after playing in the river, and the council unable to plant new woodland due to the pollution.

"Families should be free to swim safely in the knowledge that our waters are not polluted with sewage. It is time we got tough on polluting and profiteering water firms.

Lib Dem leader Ed Davey with Hazel Grove candidate Lisa Smart in the River Goyt. — Lisa Smart said there are safety concerns about the River Goyt. -Credit:Lib Dems

“This scandal has to end now. The Conservative party has failed to protect swimmers and wildlife."

Paul Athans, the Conservative candidate for Hazel Grove, defended the government's record on tackling sewage, and said that stopping all sewage discharges through storm overflows in England could cost the taxpayer billions.

He said: “I’m committed to keeping our wonderful rivers like the Goyt and Mersey clean. No government has done more to tackle cleaning up our waterways than the Conservatives, but there’s still more to do.

“I want an end to sewage discharges but unlike the Liberal Democrats, I don’t think taxing hardworking people is a solution. I’m committed to making the polluters themselves pay.

“We’re also requiring water companies to invest £56bn into environmental improvements as part of our plan to stop discharges."

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