Richard attended the latest North Bedford Borough Water Management Partnership last week, hosted by Mayor Tom Wootton.
Richard Fuller MP said:
Mayor Tom stressed his commitment to this comprehensive approach to improving flood risk preparation and response and also to improving the environmental quality of the rivers and waterways in the Borough. It was a full turnout with contributions from many groups expertly chaired by Paul Leinster and real progress was made in creating a common understanding. I came away encouraged by the contributions from everyone.
Issues of water management — from flooding and housing development to sewage discharges — have become a growing part of my inbox. Residents are rightly concerned about flooding and water pollution.
Time and again, constituents raise concerns but aren’t sure who is responsible. Is it the Environment Agency? The Council? Anglian Water? Residents shouldn’t have to navigate institutional finger-pointing just to get answers.
That is why I proposed the idea — based on a successful model from Norfolk — to form a group that could think strategically about flood risk, water quality and offer a one-stop shop for resolving water issues across North Bedfordshire.
I was pleased that Mayor Tom Wootton picked up this initiative, as the Council holds key statutory powers that MPs do not.
Mayor Tom is right to bring together key agencies like Anglian Water and the Environment Agency - along with groups like BedsGOVET, who are doing important work in this area. These aren’t vanity events - they are vital conversations about how we keep our homes and communities safe. Solving complex issues like water management requires collaboration.
I am also grateful that Prof. Paul Leinster CBE agreed to chair this initiative. He brings deep expertise, is widely respected in the environmental field and has the leadership skills to drive meaningful progress. We are fortunate to have him help shape a coherent, long-term plan for managing local water resources.
You can read more about Richard's work on flooding and wastewater overflows here https://www.richardfuller.co.uk/campaigns/wastewater-overflows-and-flooding-0
