Lib Dems campaigning for improvements from Thames Water: Cllr Frank O'Kelly (Cippenham Village); Sir Ed Davey MP (Leader); Katrin Harding (Lib Dem Cllr, Wokingham) Clive Jones (Lib Dem MP Wokingham)
Many Lib Dems are calling for major improvements from Thames Water, and Cippenham Village Cllr Frank O'Kelly is also taking action to reduce some of the problems.
The photo shows Frank checking the flooding is going down on the bridle path south of Wood Lane in his Cippenham Village Ward. With others, Frank took action to remove nearby weed that had excess growth caused by the nitrates (sewage) that Thames Water release into the waterways. The weed was blocking the water from flowing. Frank's strong call for Thames Water to dramatically improve their services is described after this account of Sir Ed Davey's call for action on Thames Water.
The Liberal Democrats' leader Sir Ed Davey called for Thames Water to be put into special administration as he met one of his party's Berkshire MPs and a local councillor to build a raft. They then went on the raft to highlight their call for action on Thames Water.
Sir Ed Davey, said: “Thames Water are seeking permission to increase their bills even more. …That is wrong, they have performed so badly on things like sewage and on failing to fix the pipes and the leaks, it’s really time that people were tougher on Thames Water. ….We think it’s time to pull the plug on Thames Water and put them under administration.”
It’s Time Thames Water Cleaned Up Its Act - Cllr Frank O’Kelly, Liberal Democrat Councillor for Cippenham
For too long, our community has been forced to live with the consequences of Thames Water’s reckless dumping of sewage into our rivers and streams. Around Slough, discharges into the Jubilee River, the Colne Brook, and other waterways have become routine
Residents are angry, and rightly so. These are not rare emergencies, but a business model built on neglect. Families walking their dogs or children playing near local waterways shouldn’t have to worry about pollution warnings or foul smells while being asked to pay more every year. It’s a disgrace that one of the country’s most essential utilities thinks it can treat our environment like a dumping ground while still paying out massive dividends to shareholders.
The Liberal Democrats are calling for real accountability:
- An immediate end to routine sewage dumping and a clear timetable for infrastructure upgrades.
- TW to be restructured so we have a public interest company.
- Independent monitoring of water quality, with full transparency for residents.
- Stronger penalties for water companies that pollute, including executive pay linked to environmental performance.
Clean water is not a luxury, it’s a basic right. Thames Water has taken Slough for granted for too long. It’s time they cleaned up their act, literally.
Cllr Frank O’Kelly, Liberal Democrat Councillor, Slough Borough Council