Because we have continued to get so much rain there has been focus on the performance of our water companies and I am pleased to be able to report on further improvements recently delivered by the government to improve the water environment. These include:
Requiring companies to monitor 100% of storm overflows in England - providing a complete picture of when and where sewage spills happen.
Removing the cap on civil penalties for water companies and broadening their scope so swifter action can be taken against those who pollute our waterways.
Requiring the largest infrastructure programme in water company history - £60 billion over 25 years – to revamp ageing assets and reduce the number of sewage spills by hundreds of thousands every year.
Increasing protections for coastal and estuarine waters by expanding the Storm Overflow Discharge Reduction Plan, prioritising bathing waters, sites of special scientific interest and shellfish water Providing £10 million in support for farmers to store more water on their land through Water Management Grants that support food production and improve water security.
Speeding up the process of building key water supply infrastructure, including more reservoirs and water transfer schemes.
A ban on bonuses for water company executives where firms have committed serious criminal breaches, subject to Ofwat consultation.
Plans to quadruple the Environment Agency’s regulatory capacity, enabling them to carry out 4,000 water company inspections by the end of the next financial year.
As always there is more to be done, but such comprehensive monitoring has enabled this strong action.
I was thrilled officially to cut the ribbon to open the rebranded facility in Crewkerne this week for UK owned battery system manufacturer Custom Power, which was previously Steatite, and visit the factory. Managing Director Matthew Richards confirmed the business will continue to operate as it has for years but under the great brand the group had acquired by way of an acquisition of Custom Power in the US who were also represented at the event. I was delighted to see support for the company going to the next level from local employees, suppliers and key customers like Ocado’s robotics division, many of whom were there. It was excellent to see great innovation and dedicated expert local workforce engaged with such important projects.
I had a constructive meeting in Ilminster with members of the Town Council, Somerset Councillors and staff regarding the impending closure of Lloyds Bank has disappointed all of us. I have requested a face-to-face meeting with LINK executives to argue for a replacement banking hub and will keep the community updated.
With tennis and cricket seasons upon us, if you fancy a go North Perrott women’s cricket are looking for new team members. From beginners to seasoned cricketers, all over 13 are welcome. They meet on Wednesdays at 6.30pm and contact details can be found online. On the tennis front with all the refurbished courts thanks to funding from Government and others, there are many options to get out there and play. Ilminster tennis club has a new junior 12 week coaching course on Saturdays starting on 13th April for beginners and intermediates. I am sure places get booked up quickly so make contact and start your way to Wimbledon!