THIS is not good news. Not one English waterway, including rivers, lakes, estuaries and coastal waters is in good ecological and chemical health. Pollution from water treatment plants and agriculture are the main culprits. Yet, the Environment Agency has revealed that the target to achieve healthy waterway status is 2063.

Until Brexit, this country was bound by the EU water directive which imposed a target of 2027. The UK government has kicked that into the long reeds. Investment in sewage infrastructure hasn’t kept pace with what’s needed …. hence the release of raw sewage into our rivers. Another example of the Westminster government’s neglect of our environment.

How safe is the Stort? Well, we know that it suffers from occasional contamination. We also know that around 8,500 East Herts houses are proposed for construction just outside Harlow’s boundary, the decision to be taken at the end of February. Campaigners will protest but it looks like a fait accompli, one that will undoubtedly affect the Stort area. 

Recently I became a Harlow womble. I play my part in cleaning up the streets and green spaces. I go out, equipped with a litter-picker and big bags. I return, lugging a collection of bottles, cans, paper and plastic, every time. I’ve also encountered flytipping, of course. This I report immediately. Often the perpetrator can be traced and held accountable. Please report any flytipping you spot. It’s a scourge, it’s inexcusable and it’s illegal.

As you know, earlier this month we held a public meeting and a Day of Action, both generated by Harlow TUC. There is support for trades unions in Harlow, for the teachers, rail workers, postal workers, NHS workers who’ve had to take industrial action to protect their pay, terms and conditions. The struggle continues. The issues are much the same: inadequate staffing levels, unrealistic workload, insufficient support, poor reward. The solution: honest negotiation, respectful communication. Tell your friends to join a union.

At next full Council meeting, we’ll debate action on Hate: not Debate. Politicians at every level experience online abuse mainly via social media. Much of that comes from keyboard warriors and trolls whose aim is to humiliate, to silence. Most councillors have experienced such abuse and, while disagreement and healthy challenge are welcome, intimidation is not. The Local Government Association has devised a campaign to support local councils; my motion asks Harlow Council to publicly declare itself an example of good practice. Wish me luck.

More next month. In the meantime, watch out for those pesky potholes.