Cotswold District Council hosted its very own Sewage Summit at the Corinium Museum in Cirencester.

This event on Monday, July 8, brought together environmental activists, water companies and other agencies to delve into the underlying causes of sewage pollution affecting the district and exploring effective and practical measures to stop it.

Sewage dumping into local rivers and waterways is an ongoing issue which has been highlighted in local and national press over the last few years and the council is keen to play its part in holding those responsible to account and looking to find solutions.

The Sewage Summit gave residents the opportunity to hear from those waterways experts in our district and have a chance to ask them questions.

Cllr Lisa Spivey, cabinet member for communities and public safety, said "Thank you to everyone who attended our Sewage Summit. It was fantastic to see so many of you there.

"We had some really engaging talks during the morning session from water companies, environment agencies and activists. This was followed by a Q&A session in the afternoon where your questions were put towards the experts.

"This was such an insightful task and from the feedback we have received so far, many attendees benefited from it greatly.

"These are the sorts of open discussions we need to be having if we are to make a difference and protect our beautiful district from the harm of sewage dumping.

"We will continue to work with partners and do what we can within our powers as the district council to solve this issue in the Cotswolds."

This event is the culmination of a year's worth of talks held with the water companies and environmental groups around the issue of sewage pollution. The council will be continuing those conversations and will be producing a report with recommendations for the full council meeting in September.

Cotswold District Council has made a commitment to tackle this scandal and the impacts it has on our precious environment, and has pledged to continue that work over the coming months and years.