MP Amanda Hack has welcomed the next steps in the mission to clean up waterways in the Coalville and Ibstock areas - with figures showing a major increase in sewage spills last year.

The Government says it has taken rapid action to crack down on polluting water companies, introducing new legislation with powers to bring criminal charges against water bosses and ban bonuses. 

A new Independent Water Commission has now been launched to review the water industry and advise on the regulations needed to improve waterways. 

It has been claimed that sewage was poured into the waterways of North West Leicestershire for more than 15,000 hours in 2023 – equivalent to 625 days of non-stop discharge – up 62 per cent since 2022. 

Locations of major concern include the River Sence at Donington le Heath, Blowers Brook at Ravenstone and Ibstock Brook at Ibstock, with 256, 151 and 77 reported spills respectively. 

Blowers Brook at Ravenstone. Photo: Instantstreetview.com

Record levels of raw sewage were pumped into Britain's rivers in 2023, says Labour. 

The party says that during the last full year leading up to the General Election, sewage discharges into the waterways of North West Leicestershire jumped by more than 50 per cent to around 1,700 incidents - up from 1,100 in 2022. 

Ms Hack said: "Complaints about sewage dumping in local waterways often arise on the doorstep. 

"Many sites in and around our towns and villages are being ruined by sewage dumping. 

"Cleaning up our rivers and brooks is one of my top priorities. I am pleased that the government is taking another important step toward securing their long-term restoration and protection.

"I look forward to the Commission's recommendations. Water companies must increase investment in infrastructure to ensure that projects are completed on time, both to address current needs and to head off more pollution in the future. 

Photo: © Antony Robinson | Dreamstime.com

"Building on new laws to hold water bosses criminally responsible for sewage dumping, this new commission will support the action needed to clean up rivers like the Sence for good." 

The Independent Water Commission will report back next year with recommendations to tackle the pollution problems inherited from the previous government. 

The recommendations will shape further legislation to drive long-term investment and clean up Britain's waterways.