Once a month I hold a round table discussion to bring together stakeholders from different communities in Plymouth to discuss their experiences   
and how I might be able to help as their local MP.  This is part of my ‘Politics & Pastries’ series that has seen hundreds of people contribute their experiences and expertise to discussions since I was elected.   

The latest roundtable was held on Friday 18th January at the National Marine Aquarium on the Barbican. I brought together organisations from across the city that have expertise, or a specific interest, in water quality. As a regular wild swimmer and campaigner for cleaner water I know how important this is to our city and those I represent.    

I was grateful to representatives of South West Water, Surfers Against Sewage, the Marine Conservation Trust, the National Marine Park and sea swimmers for discussing this topic in such an open and constructive way. The wide-ranging discussion looked at the various challenges we face with repeated storm overflows into Plymouth Sound, how we need to find ways to slow down surface water drainage through clever design features and around education about how our waste is dealt with. I also want to see clear plans about which sewage outlets will close and by when.  

I am proud that our city has led the way; as Britain’s Ocean City, we have the country’s first National Marine Park and of our brilliant National Marine Aquarium. We have more marine scientists in our city than anywhere else in Britain. My challenge to those present today is how can we use the incredible levels of experience we have as a city to create a Plan for Cleaner Water in Plymouth utilising the skills of all our local groups and companies. 

Find out more:

Read about my successful campaign to designate Devil’s Point/Firestone Bay as an official bathing water here. 

Read about my campaign to create the UK’s first National Marine Park in Plymouth Sound here 

Read about my successful campaign to close two private sewers discharging raw sewage into Plymouth Sound here  

If you are in need of support with any of these issues, please get in touch at luke.pollard.mp@parliament.uk or call 01752 717255.