Figures from the Rivers Trust have shown that major problems at Delph New Road, Dobcross New Road and Slack Lane meant that sewage was dumped into the River Tame on 238 separate occasions last year, for over 2,073 hours. “This is disgusting, and an outrage,” said newly-elected Councillor Garth Harkness. “I can’t believe that the Conservative Government has let water companies get away with this. That’s the equivalent of raw sewage being dumped into our countryside for over three months of the

Year.

 “It is a serious hazard to health. Children paddle and play in the water around the stepping stones in Uppermill park. The Tame also floods on occasions, inundating

roads and encroaching on homes.

“This is just typical of a Tory Government that has given up on caring about people.

It makes me sick.

” The utility companies have now promised to invest in repairs – not for the first time, but have said this will be paid for by customers, with no mention of the £72

billion paid out in dividends to shareholders. Garth added: “Dividends should never be

paid if the job isn’t done properly. It’s profits over people every time with this

Tory Government.”

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