Last year saw a significant and concerning increase in discharge events from Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs) into the River Wriggle.

Current monitoring systems only record when a discharge starts and stops. They do not measure the flow rate or total volume of untreated sewage being released, meaning the true scale of pollution is likely far greater than reported.

This rise in discharges has occurred despite substantial infrastructure investment over the past five years, including sewer relining, pipeline replacement, and pumping station upgrades aimed at preventing surcharging at Brister End and Brierly Hay. The evidence clearly shows these measures have not resolved the underlying problem.

Manhole covers in these areas could be sealed to prevent sewage from surcharging onto roads and public spaces. However, this has not been implemented because doing so would force the system to surcharge into nearby homes instead.

In effect, these surcharging manholes are operating as unregulated and unlicensed overflow points, allowing untreated sewage to escape via highway drains directly into the River Wriggle, most notably opposite Station House on the High Street.

This raises serious concerns about both public health risk and regulatory oversight, as well as highlighting a system that is fundamentally operating beyond its intended capacity.

This coming week I have a planned meeting with Edward Morello MP and am looking forward to discussing the proposed rainwater harvesting pilot project with him and receiving his support.

Thank you for the continued support