Alistair Strathern, Labour MP for Hitchin released a statement decrying "a disgusting degradation of our rivers and waterways".

This follows the publication of new data revealing large increases of sewage dumping in Hitchin in 2023.

Speaking in Parliament, Strathern welcomed the UK and Welsh Labour Governments' launch of an Independent Water Commission, aimed at overhauling the water industry and tightening regulations to clean up rivers and lakes after what he describes as "over a decade of increasing dilapidation".

Alistair Strathern MP said: "I know residents in Hitchin and right across the east of England are furious about the disgusting degradation of our rural waterways and the hollowing out of reservoir capacity nationwide.

This week the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Steve Reed announced "a Water Commission to attract the investment we need to clean up our waterways and speed up infrastructure delivery.

Strathern's statement reference figures showing that the number of sewage discharges in Hitchin rose to 145 sewage spills in 2023, compared to 78 in 2022.

Following recent flooding of the River Purwell, Hitchin residents concern as to sewage contamination made the national news.

Hitchin Conservatives have been approached for comment.