Sutton Lib Dems launch investigation into Thames Water role in River Wandle pollution

Sutton Liberal Democrats have launched an investigation into pollution in the River Wandle, after the river lost its “healthy” status last week. 

The Wandle has suffered from nearly 124 hours of sewage discharge since 2021 by Thames Water. Last week, the South East Rivers Trust downgraded the Wandle from “Good” to “Moderate” status. London now has no healthy rivers due to water pollution. 

Lib Dem-run Sutton Council is now investigating the effects of sewage dumping on the Wandle and resident’s health and wellbeing. 

Sutton’s Conservatives Councillors also backed the investigation, putting them at odds with Sutton’s Conservative MPs who both voted against measures to ban sewage dumping in UK waters last year. 

Bobby Dean, who is campaigning to be Carshalton & Wallington’s next Lib Dem MP, said:

"I live right by the Wandle. I walk my dog by it every day, just like so many people here. It’s so frustrating to see one of our local treasures be neglected like this. It’s a huge loss for local people.

"As one of the only chalk streams in the world, the Wandle should be protected. 

"The Conservative Government had the chance to stop this last year, but voted to allow water companies to continue dumping sewage in the Wandle. Now, even Tory Councillors are joining the calls to clean up this mess. 

"The fact that there are now no healthy rivers in London is damning of the Government’s record. They have completely failed to protect our local environment.

"Pollution in the Wandle is a massive loss for people here. We are holding Thames Water to account over their failure to protect our local river. This investigation will get to the bottom of how significant the damage is, and the health impacts it has had on residents".

You can add your name to the Lib Dem petition to stop sewage dumping below: