Storm Overflows - the run offs which have impacted the River Frome on several occasions as pollutants ran into the water - are being tackled at national level.

The government has just announced that it will be publishing a plan by September 2022 to reduce sewage discharges from storm overflows, that it will report to parliament on progress on implementing the plan and it will set a duty on water companies to publish data on storm overflow operation on an annual basis.

Over the past year the River Frome has been polluted on at least three occasions from the overflows which are used as a standby in heavy rain fall and can result in raw sewage pouring into the water.

Today (March 29 ) the Environment Minister Rebecca Pow said: " Putting new commitments to improve our rivers into law is an important step forward to cut down the water sector's reliance on storm overflows.

"This step is one of many – but an important one nonetheless – to provide greater protection for our water environment and the wildlife that relies on it. "

Philip Dunne, MP for Ludlow and Chair of the Environmental Audit Committee, said: "I introduced my Private Member's Bill to help tackle the scourge of sewage discharges polluting our waterways. Due to the impact of the pandemic on the Parliamentary timetable, I have been working to encourage the Government to adopt the key principles of my Bill.

"I am delighted that the Environment Minister has honoured her pledge to seek a legislative route to give effect to the main objectives: from the Government updating Parliament on the progress it is making in reducing sewage discharges, to placing a duty on water companies to publish storm overflow data.

"Today's commitment by the Government means all the hard work with campaigners and colleagues in Parliament over the past year is not wasted and we shall work in the next session to find the best route to turn this into statute."

The Environmental Audit Committee is currently also holding an inquiry into measures to improve the water quality of the UK rivers.

Chair of the Environment Agency Emma Howard Boyd said: "While storm overflows play an important role in not overloading our sewers, it is vital that water companies strive to keep their use to an absolute minimum. Our changing climate will put more pressure on our drainage network so it's great to see this commitment to action. "

There is a busy campaigning team protecting the River Frome, you can find out more and how to support their work by clicking HERE : the Friends of the River Frome site