'Teenagers have been left bedridden after playing in this river - we have to act now'
manchestereveningnews.co.ukStockport's rivers could be saved from sewage by giving them 'protected status', the Lib Dems say. The party's candidate to be Hazel Grove's next MP, Lisa Smart, said sewage in waterways is an issue that has not been tackled by the Conservatives.
Recent data showed waters around Greater Manchester are at the centre of a national sewage crisis. This found that the Croal and Irwell had the most amount of sewage spills in England in 2023.
To make the UK's rivers cleaner, the Lib Dems are proposing to introduce a new 'Blue Flag' status, which would set targets to prevent sewage ending up in protected areas. READ MORE: Historic hall in Stockport targeted by vandals following council's repair pledge It's part of the party's manifesto for the upcoming general election in July - and Stockport seats Hazel Grove and Cheadle are 'critical' targets according to Lib Dem leader Ed Davey.
Ms Smart, who is also a councillor in Stockport, said that sewage dumped into the river Goyt has caused local health concerns.
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