Business slams Save Windermere for 'sensationalising' debate

Windermere Wakesurfing is run by Tony Parr at the Marina Village. The 60-year-old said he had used the lake for water sports since he was a 'young lad' and that it was 'no different to what it has always been.' 

The issue of illegal and legal sewage discharges into the lake by water company United Utilities has been covered by national media after a campaign from Save Windermere which brought comedians Lee Mack, Steve Coogan and Paul Whitehouse to a protest at The Glebe last year. 

Windermere Wakesurfing says that it is one of the only businesses that can offer a water sport activity on the lake since a speed limit was introduced in the 90s (Image: Windermere Wakesurfing)

"We have definitely been hit hard with customers," Mr Parr said. "It's certainly not helping, we are being questioned by our clients if it is safe to go into the water.

"Nobody in their right mind wouldn't support improving water quality."

But he accused the campaign of getting 'to the point where it has damaged our reputation' and 'sensationalising' the debate.

"There's nothing wrong with water quality," he said. "Nobody is getting sick."

However the Save Windermere campaign and the media coverage has presented the lake as 'full of sewage,' he argued. "I'm very upset by it, I literally live on the side of the lake."

Mr Parr said his business provides one of the only watersport activities the public can do on the lake since a speed limit of 10 nautical miles per hour was introduced, which is 'perfect' for wakesurfing. 

Comedians Paul Whitehouse, Lee Mack and Steve Coogan joined Matt Staniek's protest on The Glebe in Bowness last year (Image: Newsquest, Daniel Pye)

A spokesperson from Save Windermere said: "We share the same goal as the vast majority of businesses and the local community: a sewage-free Windermere, protected from exploitation for future generations. Achieving this will ensure the long-term sustainability of the local economy and environment.

"Our stance on swimming in the lake is clear and publicly available. Most of the time, you can swim in Windermere without any issues. However, there are specific times and places where caution is essential. This includes after sewage spills by the water company, during blue-green algae events which can potentially be toxic, and in areas in close proximity to treated and untreated sewage outfalls.

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"Unfortunately, the prioritisation of shareholder dividends over environmental protection, coupled with regulatory failure, has led us to the situation we face today. United Utilities has illegally dumped sewage into Windermere, posing the greatest threat to the lake’s health. Their own data shows that, since 2020, over 27,000 hours of untreated sewage has entered the lake. Calling this ‘sensationalism’ ignores the reality of the situation and reflects a misunderstanding of the severity of the problem both locally and nationally.

"We will continue to work closely with local and national businesses as we hold the government to account and campaign for swift action to protect our precious lake that we all care about so deeply." 

Love Windermere, a partnership involving United Utilities, the regulator the Environment Agency and the Lake District National Park Authority, said it was 'dedicated to striking a balance between raising awareness of the environmental challenges and ensuring that businesses relying on the lake can continue to thrive.' 

A spokesperson added: "Love Windermere brings together various stakeholders, including environmental groups, businesses and the community, to improve the water quality of the lake. We are working on long-term strategies to improve water quality, reduce pollution sources, and preserve the natural beauty of Windermere for future generations. This includes improvements to infrastructure, and educating the public and businesses about responsible water use."