Lib Dem response to bathing water status announcement

Tom Gordon, Lib Dem Parliamentary Candidate for Harrogate & Knaresborough said:

"The government needs to go much further and stop sewage being pumped into the River Nidd and all swimming sites. Conservative Ministers allowed disgraced water firms to spill sewage into the Nidd for a staggering 17,229 hours last year, a 113% increase on 2022. 

"No swimmer should have to fear raw sewage making them sick. 

“Whilst the announcement is step in the right direction we deserve so much better. 

"Just last month we announced our campaign to create blue flag scheme for the Nidd, which would give special protections from pollution where water companies would face punitive fines, a step further than bathing water status.

“Over recent years, our Conservative MP has repeatedly backed his Government to the detriment of our local rivers and residents. Local residents want an MP who is on our side and will vote in our interests. 

"Today the Liberal Democrats have tabled an amendment to make water companies criminally liable for their sewage pollution. I am urging Andrew Jones to back this and finally get tough on these firms.”