…By Judah Olanisebee for TDPel Media. Comedians Unite: Rally Highlights Seriousness of Sewage Pollution in Windermere
Introduction: In a surprising turn of events, renowned comedians Paul Whitehouse and Lee Mack took a serious stance on the issue of sewage pollution at Windermere, one of Britain’s largest lakes.
The Save Windermere campaign organized a rally that drew a crowd of 1,500 people who came together to protest against the dumping of sewage into the lake.
Paul Whitehouse’s Remarks:
Paul Whitehouse, known for his comedic sketches and shows, served as the rally’s compere.
He expressed concern over the looming problem of blue-green algae blooms, which will likely plague the lake due to sewage contamination.
Whitehouse criticized United Utilities, the local water company responsible for the sewage discharge, highlighting the irony that those entrusted with safeguarding waterways are actually contributing to the issue.
Lee Mack’s Perspective:
Comedian Lee Mack, accompanied by his daughter Millie, brought a mix of seriousness and humor to the event.
He criticized the water industry’s belated apologies and their proposition to charge customers for the cleanup.
Mack emphasized that if the industry profits from their operations, they should bear the responsibility and costs associated with rectifying the pollution.
Support from Steve Coogan:
Steve Coogan, best known for his role as Alan Partridge, also joined the rally and voiced his concerns.
Coogan drew attention to United Utilities’ recent windfall of £300 million for shareholders, contrasting it with the meager £19 million allocated for infrastructure improvements in Windermere.
He stressed that the issue extends beyond Windermere, describing it as representative of a larger problem occurring throughout the country.
Local Voices and Conservationist Perspective:
Eleven-year-old Freya Hodgson-Jones garnered enthusiastic applause as she shared her firsthand experiences of the lake’s pollution.
She expressed fears about swimming in the contaminated water and highlighted the potential harm to wildlife.
Zoologist Matt Staniek, founder of Save Windermere, emphasized the detrimental impact of effluent discharges on the lake’s ecosystem.
He lamented the decline of native Char fish and the proliferation of algae in the northern basin.
United Utilities’ Response:
United Utilities, in response to the campaign’s claims, stated that they have invested £45 million to reduce phosphorus entering the lake.
They acknowledged the need for further action and announced plans to allocate £19 million to address storm overflow operations, including modifications to pumping stations and treatment works by 2030.
They also expressed anticipation for comprehensive scientific data analysis conducted by the Freshwater Biological Association and Lancaster University to assess the lake’s health.
Conclusion:
The Save Windermere rally, featuring the serious voices of celebrated comedians and concerned locals, highlighted the pressing issue of sewage pollution in Windermere.
The collective efforts of campaigners and public pressure serve as a reminder that the preservation of natural ecosystems, like Windermere, is a crucial responsibility that necessitates swift action from water companies and governing bodies.
Read More On The Topic On TDPel Media
People
TDPel Media
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn