The battle bus against river pollution rolls into Richmond
Save Our Swale and Surfers Against Sewage invite politicians to a hustings on the banks of the River Swale
Campaigners and concerned residents gathered by Richmond’s famous Falls to quiz politicians on what they would do to stop the pollution of the Swale if elected.
Just three of the 13 candidates gave up a Friday evening to address the issue - Daniel Callaghan (Lib Dem), Kevin Foster (Green) and Tom Wilson (Labour).
Neither the photogenic Count Binface or the sitting MP Rishi Sunak were able to make the event. (The full list of those seeking votes in the constituency, including the Prime Minister, can be found here.)
Fresh from it’s stop off in Wensleydale, the battle bus from Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) is touring the country raising awareness of the water pollution issue ahead of the general election.
In Richmond, little awareness raising is probably needed due to the campaigning by Save Our Swale who have succeeded in highlighting the issue at public meetings, on social media and by galvanising the support or 40 or so volunteers turned citizen scientists.
Citing the hustings near the very spot where signs warning the public of the dangers of bathing, paddling or allowing dogs into the water gave the event a poignant backdrop.
So, in brief, what did the politicians have to offer?
Daniel Callaghan (Lib Dem)
Extension of the Blue Flag Status scheme which currently covers beaches and coastal waters
Replace OFWAT with a new clean water authority with ‘sewage busters’
Toughen up the regulator to be able to take action against the water companies
You can read the full Lib Dem manifesto here.
Kevin Foster (Green)
Put the water companies back into public ownership, day one
Strengthen the county council with powers to call the water companies to account for their actions
Ensure greater transparency in the way sewage outflows are operating
You can read the full Green manifesto here.
Tom Wilson (Labour)
A comprehensive review to get to the root causes
Ensure the regulator has more ‘teeth’
Use money from green economic growth plan for investment into the system
You can read the full Labour manifesto here.
Audience members who crowded onto the steps by Barries Ices had a variety of concerns to raise ranging from the impact on pension funds invested in water companies, the cost of bills and how the water infrastructure would cope with increased housebuilding.
While the politicians now have just 13 days of door knocking for your vote left, it’s clear that river protection will remain an issue for many those faced with a rosette wearing visitor on the doorstep.
The next public meeting on river pollution, this time to discuss next actions for the River Ure is on at 6pm on Tuesday, June 25 at Leyburn Methodist church hall. Charlotte Simons of the Yorkshire Dales River Trust (YDRT) and Clare Beasant, Yorkshire Water’s River Health Improvement Manager, are expected to attend.
The usual Northern Eco newsletter will be going out to all subscribers on Tuesday. See you then!