Lib Dems continue fight for local waterways

Liberal Democrat Lead Councillor for environmental policy and climate in St Albans, Keith Cotton, aims to embed protections for local rivers and chalk streams in future planning policy, through a council motion.

This motion continues the Liberal Democrats’ track record on protecting our precious local waterways and natural environment: from working to revitalise the River Ver and planting thousands of trees across the district, to rewilding which successfully increased the local butterfly population.

It would introduce requirements for natural buffer zones around chalk stream habitats and higher standards for water efficiency, when the new 2029 Local Plan is developed. Alongside this, the motion commits St Albans council to uphold protections for waterways wherever possible, including through preserving biodiversity and guarding against pollution.

To complement this it demands action at the national level, calling for council leader Paul de Kort to demand greater action by government to protect chalk streams, by writing a letter to the government.

Keith Cotton, Liberal Democrat district councillor for Cunningham, said:

“Our rivers and chalk streams are vital, and rare, features of our local environment - ones that urgently need greater protections.

 “We Liberal Democrats have made it an absolute priority to tackle the climate and nature crises and save our waterways, including from the national scandal of sewage spills. We know that this is a real concern for local residents, who want our rivers and chalk streams to continue sustaining wildlife, biodiversity, and enriching the environment across the district.

“By introducing these new protections to the 2029 Local Plan process we’ll add yet another commitment to make their preservation a top priority through the work of St Albans District council, continuing our fight to protect them.”

The motion introduced and voted through at a full council meeting, on Wednesday 15th July. Watch more from Liberal Democrat Lead Councillor for environmental policy and climate, Keith Cotton, here.