Fantastic to jump into the Thames for a swim this morning at Chertsey Meads with Ben Covey and Tim Wakefield from River Action! The swim is part of their incredible journey of swimming, rowing and stand-up paddleboarding down the Thames between 12th and 21st September to raise awareness around the level and impact of river pollution by industrial and agricultural producers, water companies, and other polluters. You can find out more about the charity and their efforts here.
It was a pleasure to join them to help highlight the importance of water quality and talk about Runnymede and Weybridge’s history, particularly Chertsey’s ancient history as an island and reclaimed land. We also discussed the unique combination of challenges we face in Runnymede and Weybridge, including river, groundwater and sewer flooding, the need for the River Thames Scheme, and the work I am doing to hold Thames Water to account (look out for a further update shortly following my meetings with Thames Water and Ofwat.)
Ben and Tim will be handing in a petition to the Government at their end of their impressive journey. Thank you to you both for all the work you are doing!
