Liberal Democrats call for 'Rural Revival' and Water Company reform at Devon County Show
Liberal Democrats call for 'Rural Revival' and Water Company reform at Devon County Show
Liberal Democrat MP Richard Foord has promised to fight for a 'rural revival', including reform of UK water companies, on a visit to the Devon County Show. Mr Foord was joined by six Liberal Democrat Parliamentary candidates at the ‘River Discovery Zone’.
“The Devon County Show is an iconic event that brings together people from across Devon's many rural and farming communities to showcase the very best our county has to offer,” said Richard. “Our countryside communities are under increasing pressure as the Conservatives continue to cut council funding and frontline services. It is not right that residents in rural areas get far less funding than those who live in big cities. That's why we're here today, speaking to people about our vision for a fair deal and a rural revival.”
Joining Richard, Leader of Teignbridge Council Martin Wrigley, standing as the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate in Newton Abbot, commented, “The reason we are here at the ‘River Discovery Zone’ is that one of the top three issues that comes up on the doorstep is the dumping of sewage in our rivers and on our beaches. The Liberal Democrats have been calling for the water regulator, OFWAT, to be given real teeth to enforce environmental standards. We also want to see an end to the huge dividends being paid to overseas investors, and bonuses to the water company executives, until they fulfill their environmental obligations.”
Caroline Voaden, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate in South Devon, commented, “The cryptosporidium crisis in South Devon this last week, causing local residents vomiting and diarrhoea, is yet further evidence that the water companies just don’t have things under control. It really is time for a root-and-branch reform.”
“As a surfer and environmentalist, I find the Government’s weak and reckless approach to our environment outrageous,” said Will Aczel, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Exeter.
“Last year was the worst year for sewage dumping on record. From tougher, legally binding targets to public benefit water companies, the Liberal Democrats have a plan to clean up our waterways.”
“Louise Wainwright of South Devon River Champions works tirelessly to raise the issue of pollution in our rivers, so we are delighted to be here to support her. What sets South Devon River Champions apart from many campaign groups is they really do look for community-wide solutions to the problems of pollution,” commented Holly Greenberry-Pullen, Liberal Demcorat Parliamentary Candidate in Plymouth Sutton & Devonport.
“The Devon County Show is a rare ‘ray-of-sunshine’ for many in our farming communities,” observed Mark Wooding, who is standing as the Parliamentary Candidate for Central Devon. “I regularly attend the Exeter Livestock Market and hear first-hand from farmers how bleak the situation is for many of them. I fear we are sleepwalking into a real crisis in farming. Only the Liberal Democrats have a plan to support our farmers. The Conservatives are just rehashing failed policies, and Labour is virtually silent. As part of our rural revival we would provide an extra £1 billion of direct financial support to farmers.”
“The Devon Show is a great day out,” concluded Richard Foord. “But it can’t hide the fact that there are deep problems that affect so many of our towns, villages and hamlets - and especially our vital farmers. These problems need more than warm words; they need real solutions that will help improve people's day-to-day lives. The Liberal Democrats have always been vocal champions of the West Country and every Liberal Democrat MP elected will be a strong voice for rural Devon.”