Day: March 18, 2025

Despite the government pledging extra funds and one hole being filled every 18 seconds, motoring groups say situation looks ‘bleak’ for drivers

The cost of fully fixing the pothole-plagued local roads of England and Wales has reached a new high of almost £17bn, according to the latest industry report.

The record sums required come despite increased government funds to target road repairs – and one pothole being filled every 18 seconds. Continue reading…
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Exclusive: Almost 300,000 hours of raw effluent poured into waterways, figures show, up from 196,000 in 2023

A record 50% more raw sewage was discharged into rivers in England by Thames Water last year compared with the previous 12 months, data seen by the Guardian reveals.

Thames, the largest of the privatised water companies, which is teetering on the verge of collapse with debts of £19bn, was responsible for almost 300,000 hours of raw sewage pouring into waterways in 2024 from its ageing sewage works, according to the data. This compares with 196,414 hours of raw effluent dumped in 2023.

The Amersham balancing tanks in Buckinghamshire, which are supposed to safely store excess sewage after heavy rain, discharged 4,842 hours of raw sewage in 2024.

Amersham was the scene of the longest unbroken individual discharge, when the equivalent of 154 days of raw sewage spilled into the River Misbourne, a chalk stream, last year.

Marlborough sewage treatment works dumped raw sewage for 2,786 hours.

At the Chesham sewage treatment works there were 2,681 hours of sewage discharges. Continue reading…
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The Israeli military said they fired towards Hamas targets. The strikes come as ceasefire agreement is in limbo.
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