Norwich wildlife expert criticises MP Chloe Smith on sewage

Kevin Murphy spends lots of time on and near the river Wensum tending to wildlife and their habitats as well as swimming and kayaking recreationally.  

Now Mr Murphy, who runs Norfolk Wildlife Rescue and lives near Anglia Square, is challenging his MP for her stance on the issue.

He said: “Chloe Smith voted against sewage dumping and now I can no longer swim in the Wensum as I am worried about my health.  

Kevin often uses the waterways in Norwich (Image: Kevin Murphy)

"Chloe Smith is my MP and does not speak for me. As an elected official she is supposed to discuss issues with her voting taxpayers and relay concerns to the government and not vote how she wishes.  

"She has never replied to any correspondence from myself in any matter." 

The issue has become discussed nationally as ageing infrastructure has seen water companies pumping sewage into rivers and the sea at times of exceptional rainfall.

When contacted about Mr Murphy's campaign, Ms Smith responded: “Sewage overflows are a Victorian infrastructure issue, and this is the first government to take steps to tackle them.  

“In 2021 I was proud to use my vote in Parliament for the Environment Act, because it has made our laws even stronger on water quality.   

“The government is requiring water companies to deliver their largest ever environmental infrastructure investment, of £56bn over 25 years.” 

READ MORE: Extinction Rebellion hold Norwich protest against raw sewage in rivers

Chloe Smith has explained to her constituents why she voted the way she did and how she is working to improve waterways (Image: PA Images)

Ms Smith said that fines are also being increased for those who do pollute waterways and new flow monitors are being installed. 

The Conservative MP has also been part of the campaign trying to fix a leaking pipe spewing sewage at River Green in Thorpe St Andrew in recent years.

She continued: “Last week I proudly voted again to set the target regime on water quality, as well as air quality, waste, biodiversity, and woodland targets that the Environment Act all bring in. 

“These actions will improve our environment, in the Wensum and the Yare and across the county and the country. 

“One particular amendment on that legislation was badly misrepresented at the time, so I was clear on my blog for constituents what was going on.

“Right now, I also expect water companies and polluters to play their part to ensure our local rivers are clean enough for swimming and other important uses. 

“In one instance, I’ve been working directly for some time with many local people plus the Environment Agency and the Broads Authority to fix a leak into the Yare.”   

Kevin Murphy launches campaign against Chloe Smith and the way she voted (Image: Kevin Murphy)

Kevin claims he has had to stop swimming in the Wensum (Image: Kevin Murphy)