Stop firms pumping sewage into our rivers

Star urges water watchdog to enforce the existing laws

- Tony Whitfield

ROCK star Feargal Sharkey is calling on the Government to take action now to stop water companies dumping raw sewage into rivers.

The singer and anti-pollution campaigner wants ministers to stop talking about doing something and enforce existing laws to clean up our waterways.

Environment Secretary Thérèse Coffey will this week unveil plans to "make polluters pay" by introducing unlimited fines that will go into a "water restoration fund".

A six-week consultation will take place on measures also including the Environment Agency being able to fine water companies without going through the courts.

Latest figures released on Friday revealed last year there were an average 825 sewage spills into English rivers and the sea per day.

This was down by nearly a fifth on 2021 but the EA said this was "largely down to dry weather, not water company action".

The Lib Dems have demanded Ms Coffey resign, while Labour dismissed the proposals as "flimsy" and pledged to ban all sewage dumping by 2030.