Liverpool MPs demand explanation of Mersey sewage spills

Local Members of Parliament are urging United Utilities to provide an explanation as to why sewage has ended up in the River Mersey.

Over the weekend, videos surfaced online, showing raw sewage being dumped into the River Mersey at Garston Docks.

North-West water supplier, United Utilities have denied responsibility, however, local MPs want answers.

Written by Labour MP for Garston and Halewood, Maria Eagle, a strongly-worded letter has been sent to United Utilities’ CEO, Steve Mogford.

The letter reads: “We have been contacted by many furious constituents who are aghast that our natural environment has been polluted so egregiously, particularly given the millions of pounds of public money spent on The Mersey Estuary Pollution Alleviation Scheme.

“The Mersey has become much cleaner after years of such efforts, but this wanton behaviour puts all that at risk. It is part of a deteriorating national picture with privatised water companies, such as you, contributing over the last six years to at least 1,261,498 sewage spill events. United Utilities itself has had 81,588 spills for 570,753 hours according to The Rivers Trust.

“We would like an explanation, particularly given that water bills include payments for proper treatment and disposal of wastewater.”

The original letter is signed by 18 MPs, however, more are continuing to add their names to the list.