OTLEY'S Labour MP Alex Sobel has slammed the Government’s latest announcement on tackling water pollution in the River Wharfe as empty promises.

Commenting on the Government's announcement that it is investing £1.1bn for vital infrastructure to tackle water pollution in rivers such as the Wharfe, Mr Sobel said: "Whilst I welcome any investment to improve the health of our rivers, this is not new money or even a new plan. They have announced plans to tackle water pollution in the river on at least two occasions before, yet we have seen no real progress on the ground.

“The river has been subject to pollution from a range of sources, including raw sewage which have caused concerns for environmentalists and the local community for many years. In 2021-22 Yorkshire Water discharged sewage and household water into the river at Ilkley for 1252.75 hours over 146 days of the year. In previous years this has been 2018 - 123 days, and 2019 - 114, 2020- 120. The Wharfe is an important waterway in West Yorkshire, supporting a range of wildlife and ecosystems.

“What we need is sustainable drainage to ensure that we keep rainwater from reaching sewage works like the one in Burley, to stop the overflow and which would also have an effect on reducing flooding.”

He added: “This latest announcement is little more than a PR exercise, designed to distract attention from their failure to take any meaningful action and quite clearly shows the Government have run out of ideas and solutions.

"The last thing needed is more ‘empty’ promises, what we need is action to address this issue, and I will continue to press the Government to take this action as soon as possible on behalf of my constituents and all those who rely on the River Wharfe.”