The new MP for Barrow and Furness has backed nationwide plans to tackle water pollution.

Michelle Scrogham, who rose to her new position following the latest General Election, was responding to a recently announced 'crackdown' on water companies by the Labour party.

Last week, they revealed that households are to get higher compensation for sewage failures and the power to hold executives to account.

The Barrow and Furness representative commented: "I'm very pleased to see action on this.

"In a constituency surrounded by sea and so many beautiful lakes to enjoy nearby, it was heartbreaking to see sewage being allowed to pollute our water."

Steve Reed, the Environment Secretary, wants bosses at water companies to set up customer panels that can scrutinise mistakes, as well as strengthening their legal obligations to protect the environment.

Mr Reed said: “We will never look the other way while water companies pump sewage into our rivers, lakes and seas.  

“This unacceptable destruction of our waterways should never have been allowed, but change has now begun so it can never happen again.

“That change will take time - over the coming weeks and months, this government will outline further steps to reform the water sector and restore our rivers, lakes and seas to good health.” 

There is an understandable focus on the issue with the Lake District representing some of the most notable bodies of water in the country.

Read more: Steve Coogan, Lee Mack and thousands look to save Windermere | The Mail (nwemail.co.uk)

Just this month, protesters marched through Windermere to draw attention to the problem, supported by stars such as Lee Mack and Steve Coogan.

Plans have already been shared on more local ways of tackling the issue of water pollution, with United Utilities pledging an early start on investing nearly £20m to reduce storm-water spills into Windermere.

This work is expected to begin before 2025, with storage tanks at Ambleside, Elterwater and Hawkshead set to be built that will be able to hold around 11 million litres of stormwater.