Local Lib Dems Call for More Protection of Southport Waterways Amid Water Boss Bonus Curb

Water boss bonus curb good news but just ‘window dressing’ as more needed to protect Southport waterways say local Lib Dems

26th February 2024 - Leader of Southport Lib Dems, John Pugh has welcomed the recent government announcement that water bosses will have their bonuses banned if they discharge sewage illegally but says that it’s too little and won’t solve the problem.

Crossens and Marshside and the Three Pools waterway in Southport have been particularly impacted with sewage dumping. United Utilities has issued several sewage warnings for Southport beach over the last year, including during summer at peak tourist times.

John Pugh commented, “The ban on bonuses is welcome, but it’s something that should have been done a while ago. It also isn’t being brought in until April. The question is, why? Unfortunately, it feels like window dressing and a belated attempt by the Tory government to look like it is doing something on a big issue that is causing public outrage.

“Many people might wonder why bosses have been paid eye watering bonuses on top of what are very high salaries. Keeping our waterways and beaches clean should surely be a basic part of these roles.

Erin Harvey, Southport Lib Dem Parliamentary Candidate, added “The water companies are regulated by Ofwat. This body needs to be scrapped and replaced by a regulator that puts proper sanctions in place. Alongside this we need proper investment in infrastructure that is creaking at the seams. For too long water companies have been in a position where they feel able to dump sewage with impunity.”

Gareth Lloyd-Johnson,Councillor for Meols Ward has made this video that you can see here about the impact of sewage dumping in the area.