Early warnings planned when sewage spills into Thames
ROWERS and canoeists on the Thames are to be alerted about sewage flowing into the river. Boris Johnson has agreed to calls on the London Assembly to create an early warning’ system for river users whenever there’s heavy rain
ROWERS and canoeists on the Thames are to be alerted about sewage flowing into the river.
Boris Johnson has agreed to calls on the London Assembly to create an 'early warning' system for river users whenever there's heavy rain.
The mayor's support came in response to a question by Liberal Democrat Opposition group leader Mike Tuffrey, who said: "Untreated sewage pouring into the Thames is associated with the Victorian era.
"But disgracefully it still happens in the 21st century in one of the most developed capitals in the world."
You may also want to watch:
River users are risking bacteria and viruses, he warned, with 32 million cubic metres of untreated sewage overflowing into the river every year.
London's proposed 'Tideway tunnel' to divert sewage further down the estuary is years away from being built.
Most Read
- 1 Cops break Covid-19 rules to have haircuts at Bethnal Green police station
- 2 Murder arrest after woman stabbed to death in Whitechapel this morning
- 3 Lovely Day for Aldgate School picked to sing on Billy Ocean's new single
- 4 Police e-fit expert retiring after 15 years at Bethnal Green
- 5 'Grenfell Tower'-type cladding still not removed from New Providence Wharf after 3 years
- 6 Covid hero who did charity walk in Bow aged 100 now has vaccine
- 7 Fury as family homes vanish when Isle of Dogs landlord converts to bedsits
- 8 Two men arrested after police officers assaulted in Limehouse rave
- 9 Man sentenced after teenage boy groomed on Snapchat to sell heroin
- 10 'Racist consultation' protest rejected on Tower Hamlets street closures as Labour sticks to its manifesto
Meanwhile, heavy rain flushing through the ageing Victorian sewers continues overflowing into the river, the Assembly was warned.
So an 'early warning' system is being drawn up to be in place "as quickly as possible" for river users when untreated sewage is in danger of getting into the Thames.