Lib Dem councils urged to launch sewage-dumping inquiries after election gains

Sir Ed Davey has told local authority leaders to investigate the impact of the issue by taking evidence from Ofwat and the Environment Agency.

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey chats with Danny Chambers during a local dog walk along the River Itchen near Winchester (PA) (PA Wire)

Liberal Democrat councils have been urged to launch a series of inquiries into sewage-dumping as the party claimed there were nearly 15,000 spills in the areas where it gained formerly Conservative seats.

Sir Ed Davey has told local authority leaders to investigate the impact of the issue by requesting evidence from Ofwat, the Environment Agency, citizens and charities.

His party won control of 12 councils, largely at the expense of the Tories, at last week’s local elections.