The Lancaster MP is demanding action over the dumping of sewage in Morecambe Bay.
Cat Smith has hit out at what she claims is the scale of raw sewage dumping in our local rivers and seas by United Utilities.
The issue came back to light last week, with there currently being a ‘do not swim’ warning was issued for eight beaches across nearby Blackpool and Fylde beaches after untreated sewage mixed with rainwater, was released into the sea.
A similar warning had to be posted for Morecambe beaches last summer.
Ms Smith said: ‘’It's outrageous and completely unacceptable. The level of local activity, and number of spills into our waterways is abhorrent and water companies need holding to account.”
“Company bosses still get paid massive salaries and bonuses, and their profits continue to skyrocket. Meanwhile, during a spiralling cost of living crisis, bill payers are expected to save the day, paying out of their pocket for clean-up efforts and network upgrades, whilst their water bills simultaneously continue to rise”.
Ms Smith has called on immediate action from the government to intervene speaking out on behalf on concerned constituents the Labour MP added: “This as an ecological disaster for marine life and a risk to human health”.
‘’United Utilities has a dreadful track record for pumping raw sewage into our seas, rivers, and waterways. They are one of the worst offending water companies for dumping raw sewage out, while their bosses get huge salaries and massive bonuses with the bill-payers having to pick up the tab. I’m furious”.
In a statement, United Utilities said they continued to make good progress on the latest issue, to return its Fleetwood wastewater treatment works to full operation, after a pipe which carries cleaned and treated water 5km out to sea fractured within the grounds of their plant last week.
They added the current advice to avoid swimming remained in place, and that more than 2,000 metres of pipeline has already been lifted into place and is being bolted together.
Mark Garth, United Utilities Wastewater Director, said: “We are working around the clock to get things back to normal. Good progress is being made and we are doing all we can to ensure that the wastewater treatment system can operate as it should.
‘’We know people will be disappointed they are being advised to avoid swimming in the sea right now but we will continue to work with the Environment Agency and local authorities to get to a position where that advice can be lifted as soon as possible.’’
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