Local Leaders Advocate for River Chess Amid Sewage Crisis: Ed Davey and Sarah Green Highlight Environmental Efforts and Accountability Issues

Local Leaders Rally to Support Environmental Groups Amid Sewage Crisis

Chesham, April 22 — In a passionate display of support for local environmental efforts, Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, joined Chesham and Amersham MP Sarah Green this morning to commend the tireless work of community groups dedicated to maintaining the River Chess. Their visit comes in the wake of alarming reports of sewage discharges into local waterways by Thames Water, which has faced over £30 million in penalties since 2017 for its negligence.

During his visit, Davey expressed admiration for organizations like the Chiltern Society and the River Chess Association, which have been instrumental in preserving the chalk stream. “I have heard great things about the work that local environmental groups in Chesham have been undertaking,” he stated, highlighting the dedication of volunteers who have worked diligently to clean up the river.

However, Davey did not shy away from criticizing Thames Water and the Conservative government for their handling of the situation. “We shouldn’t be in a position where campaigners and volunteers are having to clean up the mess that incompetent water companies are leaving,” he said. “From pumping filthy sewage into our rivers to losing millions of litres of water every day, water companies are continuing to let everybody down, and it’s unacceptably negligent.”

The issue is pressing; recent sewage discharge data for Thames Water revealed that the Amersham Balancing Tanks released sewage into the River Misbourne for a staggering 4,842 hours in 2024, ranking it third among 589 sites. Other local treatment works, including those in Gerrards Cross and Chesham, also reported significant sewage releases, raising concerns among residents about the health of their waterways.

Sarah Green echoed Davey’s sentiments, criticizing the Conservative-led Buckinghamshire Council for its inaction. “Sadly, the council is not doing enough to protect our waterways and green spaces,” she remarked. “The Tories failed for years to properly hold water companies to account while they pumped disgusting sewage into our rivers and seas.”

Green emphasized the need for change, stating, “We are the party that would ban water companies from dumping raw sewage into our rivers and have called for the amateurish water regulator Ofwat to be replaced with an organization that can hold these companies to account.”

As the community grapples with these environmental challenges, both leaders urged residents to vote for strong local representation that prioritizes the health of their environment. “It’s a vote to elect a strong local champion, who will fight for a fair deal for you and your community,” Green concluded.

The visit not only highlighted the ongoing environmental crisis but also reinforced the commitment of local leaders to advocate for sustainable practices and accountability from water companies. As volunteers continue their vital work, the community remains hopeful for a cleaner, healthier future for the River Chess and its surrounding ecosystems.