Local MP, Sir Oliver Heald, has given his support to a new Bill to help clean up Britain’s rivers from sewage pollution, to help deliver cleaner water in our local rivers and waterways, particularly the Rivers Beane and Quin who have an overall water body classification of poor.

The Sewage (Inland Waters) Bill 2019-21 was introduced by Ludlow MP Philip Dunne and has its Second Reading in the House of Commons on 13th November 2020. The Bill places a duty on water companies to ensure that untreated sewage is not discharged into rivers and other inland waters.

The Bill already enjoys the support of many MPs and River and Angling trusts, such as The Rivers Trust and The Angling Trust.

Commenting, Sir Oliver said: “I know how important the 8 Chalk Stream rivers in the constituency are to North East Hertfordshire residents. They contribute significantly to the health of people who use our rivers for recreation and well-being, and as vital habitats for wildlife. It’s shocking to read that 1058 hours of sewage was discharged into North East Hertfordshire constituency rivers in the last year alone. I will be supporting the Bill and working with local water company, Affinity Water, to improve the quality of our beloved rivers.”