Volunteers backed by Surfers Against Sewage are coordinating a paddle-out protest against sewage pollution.
On Saturday, May 20, people will descend on Castle Mound in Bedford to protest Anglian Water’s mismanagement of sewage, which has led to frequent sewage spills in the area.
Sign up to get your own daily update of Bedfordshire News — It’s free.
The event will be at the bottom of the Castle Mound, Bedford, part of a series of events occurring simultaneously across the UK.
The protest is part of a mass paddle-out protest highlighting the issue of sewage pollution, organised by charity Surfers Against Sewage, with at least 12 events occurring simultaneously at beaches and rivers across the UK on Saturday, May 20.
Swimmers, paddlers, surfers, canoers, kayakers, paddle-boarders, windsurfers and anyone who cares about the health of the local area will take to the water to make their demands heard. The protest will extend to the embankment for those unable or unwilling to enter the water. SAS are also urging the public to sign their ‘Dirty Money’ petition, which demands an end to water companies profiting from pollution.
New survey data released by SAS earlier this month revealed that a mammoth 85% of Brits support a ban on bonuses for CEOs who fail to adhere to minimum environmental standards. Trust in water companies is at rock bottom, with just one fifth (21%) of UK adults confident that water companies are using their money to improve services.
Josh Harris, Head of Communications at Surfers Against Sewage, said: “Last year water companies paid out a combined £1 billion to their shareholders while dumping sewage into UK waterways almost 400,000 times. It’s time to put an end to this shameless profiteering. Water companies should not be allowed to profit from pollution, and our data reveals that the public agree, with a huge majority calling for an end to industry fat cats pocketing bonuses whilst failing to meet minimum environmental standards.
“We’re urging anyone who feels passionately about protecting our blue spaces to join us on 20 May as we rise up against the polluters and stage a mass paddle-out protest across the UK. Water companies are wreaking havoc on our precious rivers and seas, and we refuse to stay silent. Head to your nearest protest and make your voice heard.”
