I know many of you are concerned about the water quality in Olney so I have been engaging with some local residents, the Environment Agency and Government Ministers in recent months.
The EA have now agreed to provide me with regular updates on water quality in and around Olney and the bathing steps.
I'm pleased to confirm that in the last month there haven't been any reported incidents near the bathing steps, and where three minor non-compliances were found elsewhere in Olney and Lavendon action has now been taken.
There's still lots to do on water quality in Olney but I will continue to raise these issues on your behalf and I'm glad to see action is now being taken locally after my meeting with the Minister and EA recently.
You may also be aware of the Government's longer term plans for water we voted for to stop sewage spills which includes the largest criminal investigation in history, a new Water Restoration Fund and unlimited fines for companies breaking the rules, as well as more monitoring.
Did you know by the end of 2023, we made sure 100% of storm overflows in England have been fitted with monitors to help us take more action on those breaking rules? That's up from just 7% in 2010.
Ben
