The Environment and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Panel for Bracknell Forest Council has successfully concluded a major review into scandalous and ongoing sewage discharges into our rivers, waterways and habitats affecting Bracknell Forest residents. Liberal Democrat councillors call for action to end this appalling practice once and for all.
The Lib Dem led cross-party panel concluded that transparency and coordination across Berkshire is key to getting a fair deal on sewage for our residents. Only a joined-up approach can ensure councils are heard by big businesses such as Thames Water.
This approach underlies the review’s recommendations, which are:
- To pursue the creation of a cross-Berkshire water and sewage partnership, working closely with neighbouring councils to ensure our residents’ voices are heard and that strategic decisions made by utility providers are adequately scrutinised.
- To signpost residents to where they can report water quality issues and access open-source water quality data via the council’s website. This will empower residents to take immediate action when faced with sewage pollution. We also hope that improved reporting will ensure more timely reaction by Thames Water to reported issues.
- To review our own planning procedures, ensuring that the capacity of existing sewage treatment services is considered and much needed new homes do not lead to additional pollution.
- To lobby central government to strengthen policies with the aim of completely eliminating the practice of untreated sewage discharge.
Following a unanimous vote by the Overview and Scrutiny Commission on 23 May 2024, the recommendations will now be considered by Bracknell Forest Council’s Executive Committee.
Chair of the Environment and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Panel, Cllr Christoph Eberle, says, “The condition of our rivers and waterways is a disgrace to this country. Our residents rightly demand clean and safe lakes and rivers to use and enjoy. We hope this cross-party report will support our goal to provide fair access to healthy nature for all.”
Vice-chair and Bracknell Forest Liberal Democrat Group Leader, Cllr Mike Forster, added, “In this ongoing cost of living crisis it is crucial that rate payers’ funds are used to maximise positive outcomes. The Lib Dems strongly believe that openness and transparency are the cornerstones of a society which is fair for all. This report lifts the lid on the disgraceful practice of sewage dumping in Bracknell Forest and shines a stark light on the actions of big water companies who must be made to do better.”
Liberal Democrat Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Bracknell, Katie Mansfield, has also welcomed the report, vowing to support Liberal Democrat efforts in Westminster to tackle the issue at government level.
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