Chris Loder, MP for West Dorset, met with the Chief Operating Officer of South West Water, John Halsall, on the 5th June in Westminster where the MP convened the meeting to discuss the health of the River Lim and the re-designation of Church Beach as a bathing beach. Mr Loder said:
“Efforts to re-designate Church Beach are directly affected by the water quality of the River Lim, as the beach is adjacent to the mouth of the river. Operational improvements are scheduled for the coming months, and I will hold South West Water to account ensure that they actually deliver on their promises.”
Following the meeting, South West Water confirmed that it will be applying to Ofwat in October to bring forward an investment programme, worth £20 million, to clean up the River Lim. The funding will majorly be used to improve the storage and efficiency of the six storm overflows which discharge into the River Lim. Commenting on the announcement, Mr Loder said:
“I support South West Water’s intention to bring forward significant funding to improve the River Lim. What we need now is for Ofwat to release the funds and support the water company’s application. I will be writing Ofwat to inform them of the importance of this investment for both the ecology and the community”.
