Ed Davey and Lisa Smart highlight the sewage dumping crisis

Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey was in Romiley this week to see first-hand the levels of sewage dumping into the River Goyt, which have increased dramatically in the last year, from already crisis levels.

Together with Parliamentary Candidate Lisa Smart, he went to see the Rover Goyt at the picturesque Chadkirk Bridge. The nearest storm overflow to it, at Otterspool Road, dumped raw sewage into the river for 1,500 hours last year.

As well as sewage dumping from the storm drain at Otterspool going up from 961 hours to 1,495 hours, in Hazel Grove, one location saw dumping increase from 403 hours to 952 hours, and worst of all, at Compstall Road in Marple, dumping increased from 114 hours to 745 hours.

Liberal Democrat Leader, Ed Davey said: “Up and down the country, I’m seeing the same thing - water companies abusing nature and the public by dumping raw sewage into local rivers and streams like the River Goyt here in Stockport.

“I’m really proud of the work that Lisa Smart has been doing – not just making people aware of how much damage is being done under the current Conservative Government, but taking practical action too.

"Lisa has delivered the first Council-led review of sewage dumping in the country, helping to hold those responsible to account. Lisa should be proud of leading the fight back for local people in tackling this environmental crime.”

Liberal Democrat Candidate for Hazel Grove, Lisa Smart said: “This is a national crisis, and the Conservative Government is looking the other way. It’s a disaster that could have been avoided, and should be being dealt with – neither is happening under the current Government, and that’s why we need change now.

“Local people want to see an MP who will actually deliver action on this – I’ve done so locally, and when we finally get a general election, I hope to have the chance to do so nationally.”