Derbyshire Dales MP Sarah Dines recently met with two Severn Trent River Rangers to learn about the company’s efforts to improve river health across her constituency.  

The MP met with Luke McCusker and Jo Brocklehurst-Smith in Bakewell, who are dedicated to protecting rivers across the region and help them to thrive – they also work closely with partners to focus on improving river health and boosting biodiversity along stretches of the Midland’s rivers.  

As well as helping customers to prevent wipes and sanitary products from reaching rivers, the team carry out vital operational, monitoring and sampling activities that allows the company to understand the quality of rivers in its region better than ever before, and what’s needed to protect and improve them. 

Mrs Dines walked along a stretch of the River Wye, taking water quality samples at various points, before visiting Severn Trent’s pumping station on Haddon Road. 

Sarah Dines, MP for the Derbyshire Dales, commented: “I had a very interesting day in Bakewell and Carsington Water with Severn Trent. It was particularly interesting to meet Luke and Jo to learn more about the vital work they do – they really are the eyes and ears of Severn Trent in the community. Understandably, like me, my constituents care about the quality of our water and I am pleased Severn Trent are working to make improvements.” 
 
“They are willing to engage with community groups that are interested to learn the measures Severn Trent are taking to improve river health in the area and I encourage residents to engage with them.” 

Luke McCusker, Senior River Ranger at Severn Trent, said: “It was great to host Mrs Dines in Bakewell, as well as showing her the day-to-day activities we carry out such as sampling from the Wye to check on the health of the river.  

We know that wonderful rivers can transform the communities around them, which is why we love taking part in visits like this, as well as engaging with customers and groups in the local community, to keep them up to date with what we do, our activities and the progress we’re making.” 

Her visit to Bakewell was one of two appointments with Severn Trent – the MP also visited Severn Trent’s popular visitor site, Carsington Water. Mrs Dines was shown around the new exhibition at the site’s visitor centre called ‘Severn Trent’s Wonderful World of Water’ which was opened last year to mark 30 years since Queen Elizabeth II opened the visitor site. Mrs Dines also learned how Severn Trent is looking to increase water-based activities at its visitor sites in the future.  

The reservoir supplies customers from Buxton to Nottingham and everywhere in between, with up to 206 megalitres of water supplied per day, which is enough to supply 1,250 families for a full year.