‘ACTIVE steps’ are to be taken to tackle the sewage scandal in the Cotswold region.

Cotswold District Council has reiterated its commitment to tackling the issue by reducing sewage discharges and increasing accountability among local organisations.

CDC leader Councillor Joe Harris said that the organisation will ‘be taking active steps’ to put in place recommendations from a report published in September following a Sewage Summit earlier this year.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the council said it is ‘finding active solutions to ensure clean water and a healthy environment across the Cotswold region’.

“The Cotswold region has faced a longstanding issue regarding sewage pollution,” the spokesperson said.

“Local companies are discharging untreated wastewater into local rivers and streams, damaging wildlife and reducing water quality for local communities across the Cotswolds.

“The Rivers Trust reported in 2020 that sewage was released into the environment in all parts of the Cotswold district for a combined total of 17,609 hours throughout the year - the equivalent of over two years of constant pollution.

“This was a significant increase from recent years, showcasing how sewage discharge has become a habit for local companies and not an emergency measure.

“Cotswold District Council is taking decisive action to end the sewage scandal, finding active solutions to ensure clean water and a healthy environment across the Cotswold region.”

As part of its strategy to proactively combat the problem, CDC held a Sewage Summit in July this year.

This brought together environmental activists, water companies and other agencies to identify the root causes of the issue and devise immediate solutions.

Following the summit, a report was published in September that outlines a series of policy recommendations.

Councillor Tristan Wilkinson, cabinet member for economy and environment at CDC, said: “The Sewage Summit was a crucial step in addressing this ongoing problem.

“We heard from experts, engaged with residents and developed a clear understanding of the challenges we face.

“We believe that it is essential to protect our rivers and waterways from the harmful effects of sewage pollution, and we will continue to work tirelessly and engage with the community to achieve this goal.”

Cllr Harris said: “The Sewage Summit was another vital step in the process of combating the sewage scandal happening across our region.

“The council will now be taking active steps to implement the recommendations outlined in the report, holding water companies more accountable and working closely with environmental groups to restore our waterways.

“We are committed to a cleaner and greener future for the entire Cotswold district.”

To view the report, visit tinyurl.com/5bsjzs63

To access the presentations and Q&A session from the Sewage Summit, head to cotswold.gov.uk/environment/sewage-summit