Since December 2023, Richard has been actively supporting constituents across the constituency including in Wyboston, Tempsford, and Great Barford, who have suffered from sewage backup and flooding due to heavy rainfall. In February, Richard visited affected households to understand the extent of the problem.
Recognising the urgency, Richard has been collaborating with Anglian Water, which bears primary responsibility, to address the issue. Acknowledging that a quick fix is unlikely, Richard has prioritised developing a long-term solution.
He has engaged with the Mayor of Bedford Borough and proposed the formation of a North Bedfordshire Water Management Alliance. This alliance will unite Anglian Water, local Drainage Boards, the Environment Agency, Parish Councils, and local environmental groups. The function of the alliance is to create a coherent, shared action plan, ensuring each agency is accountable. This collaborative approach, inspired by Norfolk Council's successful response to similar flooding issues, aims to deliver a sustainable solution for North Bedfordshire.
The alliance, under the leadership of Paul Leinster CBE, aims to improve coordination and to come forward with shared plans for flood management and for improvements to the water quality of the River Great Ouse and had its first meeting in February 2025.
See below for all of Richard's news on Water Management and Flooding.
