Local MP Presses for Urgent Action on a Walcott Sewerage Scheme

6.02.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 1st Oct 2003

Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament for North Norfolk, Norman Lamb, today met with representatives of Happisburgh and Walcott Parish Council, Anglian Water, and the Environment Agency following the enormous frustration locally over delays facing a Walcott Sewerage Scheme.

Those at the meeting heard that more environmental assessment needs to be undertaken, meaning more delay. There was, however, a commitment by all involved to make urgent progress.

Norman Lamb said: "It is intensely frustrating that we face yet more delay. The problems in Walcott are no longer acceptable. We are now looking at a possible start date in 2005, although there is a possibility that things could start before then."

Mr Lamb added: "I am determined to maintain the pressure for all the preliminary work to be undertaken without delay. It is essential that we address the environmental concerns of residents in Ridlington and Witton."

A proposed scheme involves treated water being put into rivers passing through Ridlington and Witton.

Mr Lamb said: "We need to satisfy their environmental concerns, and the need to deliver a long overdue scheme for people in Walcott."