Local MP Demands Yorkshire Water Go Further on Infrastructure

Tom Gordon, Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, visited Yorkshire Water’s Wastewater Treatment Works in Knaresborough as part of his ongoing campaign for urgent investment in water infrastructure.

While welcoming new investment, Tom warned it is ‘too little, too late’ and only the beginning of what is needed. For years, water companies have prioritised shareholder payouts and executive bonuses over infrastructure, leaving rivers and communities to pay the price.

Yorkshire Water outlined a £7 million investment at the site in Knaresborough to cut harmful phosphorus, protect wildlife, and improve water quality in the River Nidd. Tom acknowledged the step forward but stressed it barely scratched the surface of the wider sewage and pollution crisis.

As part of his campaign to clean up the River Nidd, Tom has also visited Killinghall Sewage Works, met with Yorkshire Water CEO Nicola Shaw, and the Environment Agency. In each case, he has pressed for long-term, future-proof investment, not just the short-term sticking plaster measures.

Commenting, Tom said:

‘For years, water companies have prioritised shareholder payouts and executive bonuses over the health of our rivers and communities. This £7 million is welcome, but it’s a drop in the ocean compared to the scale of the problem.

‘This investment should have happened years ago. Instead of firefighting crises, Yorkshire Water and others must get ahead of demand and build systems fit for the future.

‘With new homes going up across Harrogate and Knaresborough, we cannot afford outdated infrastructure. We need long-term solutions that cut pollution and sewage, and finally clean up our rivers for good.’