IT’S summer! It’s time to be happy, time to luxuriate in the things that lift our spirits, ideally. Miraculously, I have flowers in my wee garden. I just love those bright nasturtiums, caterpillars and all. The mallow is flowering, too; the jasmine is still blooming as is the fuchia. 

As soon as the seasons began to change, though, the ants moved in. They arrived in number and variety, making it clear they planned to multiply. Bush Fair residents, who made me welcome as soon as I arrived and who personify tolerance, tenacity and generosity, suggested anti-ant strategies. We’re making progress, ant by ant.

The ants aren’t alone in welcoming the warmer weather, of course. Fortunately, Harlow has green spaces where we can breathe, maybe run a bit, maybe just be. We might think of going to a beach too. 

The sea is synonymous with summer. Pure, sparkling, clean water, cool against your feet….. A long time ago I paddled in the sea at Whitepark Bay where white sand stretches forever in my memory. 

But it’s not that easy now, is it? It’s not that safe now.

Months ago we heard of water companies discharging sewage into our waterways. Local MPs told us that the situation is being monitored: it’s under control and there’s really nothing to worry about. 

Yet, some of our rivers have been declared ecologically dead because of pollution. It’s tragic.

20% of our water bills reward water company owners, rather than helping to maintain the system. To last year, shareholders and owners benefited to the tune of nearly £96b. but they’re £54b in debt. Having profited colossally, they’re asking us to clean up their mess and to pay for it.

More and more concerned citizens are talking about renationalising our water service but that’s some way off. In the meantime, we desperately need better regulation and better enforcement. We need political will and water companies doing the right thing. 

According to Surfers against Sewage, the beloved River Stort was polluted 17 times by Thames Water in 2022 … 17 sewage dumps. This matters to us and it’s time we did something about it.