Richard meets with the Great Ouse Boating Association

Richard recently caught up with members of the Great Ouse Boating Association (GOBA) in Willington to discuss issues affecting our great waterway

Richard Fuller MP commented:

GOBA raised a number of issues with me but their main focus at the moment are the following 3 core issues:

1. The increasing navigation and flood risks arising from the failing and under‑maintained infrastructure on the river.
2. The ongoing shortfall in central Government, via DEFRA, funding required to keep inland waterways safe, resilient, pollution-free and navigable.
3. The increasing risks to water quality due to increased sewage releases into the river from sewage plants and toxic farm run off.

Working in conjunction with the Fund Britain's Waterways (FBW) group together with other Great Ouse Trusts and charities, GOBA do tremendous work highlighting important issues along the length of the river. They have made representations to the Environment Agency as well as neighbouring Members of Parliament whose constituencies the Great Ouse flows through.

For my part, I am happy to lend my support to their cause and am delighted that we have such a dedicated and proactive group fighting to protect this great asset.

I have written to the Environment Agency in support of GOBA's objectives and wish them continued success with their campaigning.