MP demands United Utilities show progress on cutting sewage dumping

Liberal Democrat MP Lisa Smart has written to the chief executive of United Utilities, Louise Beardmore, asking for information showing that the company has made progress on cutting sewage dumping in the constituency. 

The company claims to be making improvements at 1,100 sites across the region, but with only a general timeline of 2030 for works to be done. The MP has asked for more details of what is being done in the constituency, and whether any will be completed ahead of the 2030 deadline. 

Lisa Smart MP said: “I met with United Utilities shortly after my election, and set out what improvements I expected to see from them. They were very open to the conversation, but now I expect to see the details of how they are delivering.”

Details of improvements to storm overflows are provided on the National Storm Overflow Hub, but in Hazel Grove constituency, the majority of improvements are either listed as “to be confirmed” or have deadlines as late as 2050. 

Lisa Smart MP continued: “My Liberal Democrat colleagues and I have made it very clear in Parliament and beyond that improvements should be happening right now, not in years to come. 

“I expect a detailed response showing what improvements are happening this year and next. The Liberal Democrats have led the fight to stop this abuse of our local rivers, and we will continue to do so.”