In 1858 the hot summer weather mixed with the human effluent in the River Thames to cause the Great Stink making the work of Parliament almost impossible. Then an active Government, in a confident nation, built a sewage infrastructure much of which survives today. But if you are waiting for similar from the current Government don’t hold your breath.

A recent report showed that last year raw sewage was discharged into England’s rivers and coast every three minutes and according to Surfers Against Sewage means there are 83 beaches which people should avoid. Water companies blame all sorts of causes including recent rain – as if our country has been a stranger to heavy rain. In fact weak regulation has allowed some companies to discharge sewage directly into bathing and fishing waters preferring to risk fines rather than lose profits.

Our recently regenerated coast is a huge attraction for visitors and when they come, businesses flourish. But fresh air, clean beaches and safe waters are also a great attraction for those of us fortunate to live here.

Urgent action is needed around the country and that needs the Environment Agency, facing Government cuts, to take a tough line on regulation. We should enforce mandatory monitoring of outlets, cut discharges and hold water bosses to account through sanctions and fines, without making customers pay. The Governments Environment Bill could have sorted this but their MP’s were whipped to stop tougher legislation. When we left the EU we were promised at least as good environmental protection It hasn’t happened and frankly, it stinks.