We are very fortunate to have such beautiful green spaces in Surrey Heath, and I’m passionate about protecting and enhancing our environment for future generations. There is still more to do, particularly as the pandemic highlighted the importance of clean green spaces for both our physical and mental wellbeing.
Planting more trees
Trees play a vital role in our environment, helping to clean our air, moderate temperatures and cut the risk of floods, and that is why I will be championing the Government’s drive to plant more trees across the country. I also support Surrey County Council’s tree planting strategy to increase the number of trees across Surrey Heath.
Reducing noise and air pollution
I will continue to press for further measures to mitigate the noise and air pollution impacting Windlesham.
Reducing discharges into rivers
The amount of sewage discharged into our rivers by water companies is completely unacceptable. The Storm Overflows Discharge Reduction Plan sets out stringent targets to protect people and the environment, backed up by up to £60 billion capital investment, which is the largest infrastructure programme in water company history. Legally binding through the Environment Act 2021, the plan prioritises storm overflows that could cause the most harm while balancing the impact on consumer bills. Locally, I will continue to liaise with Thames Water about reducing discharges in Surrey Heath, and I welcome the upgrades to Chobham Sewage Treatment Works to make it more resilient to storm conditions.