Commission launched to clean up Wrexham's waterways

The UK and Welsh governments have joined forces to tackle the issue of sewage discharges into the rivers.

The Labour government has been working in partnership with the Welsh government to crack down on polluting water companies, introducing new legislation with powers to bring criminal charges against water bosses and ban bonuses.

On October 23, the UK and Welsh Labour governments launched the new independent water commission to review the water industry and ensure regulations are in place to clean the waterways.

This comes after data revealed record levels of sewage were pumped into Britain's rivers in 2023.

In Wrexham, the number of sewage discharges increased by 57 per cent, from 858 in 2022 to 1,345 in 2023.

This equates to 7,544 hours of sewage spilling into the waterways in 2023, an increase of 87.5 per cent since 2022.

The commission will deliver a set of recommendations to the Defra Secretary of State and Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs next year.

The UK and Welsh governments will then respond with the proposals they intend to take forward.

Afonydd Cymru has welcomed the collaboration of the UK and Welsh governments on this matter, particularly given the current cross-border management issues that hinder river restoration efforts.

Andrew Ranger, the Member of Parliament for Wrexham, said: "Both the Welsh and UK governments are determined to improve water quality and the resilience of the water sector for future generations.

"This shows the fresh approach of our two governments working together on an issue which affects us all as consumers, investors and as stewards of the natural world.

"Having already introduced tough new laws to hold water bosses criminally responsible for illegal sewage dumping, this new independent commission will help us take the necessary action to clean up our waterways for good."