Now on the back benches, Alex has wasted no time in speaking out, warning Severn Trent that unless they deliver on their "cast-iron commitment" to clean up the River Chelt, people would rightly conclude that they represent the "unacceptable face of capitalism".
After months of behind-the-scenes pressure, Severn Trent pledged to Alex that they will reduce spills into the Chelt by 85% by the end of 2024 - much faster than elsewhere in the country. A spokesperson for Severn Trent has said:
“We have had detailed discussions with Alex Chalk over recent weeks, and he has made his concerns very clear. Although the River Chelt has been getting cleaner over recent years, we now accept we need to go further and faster. So we are pleased to announce a cast-iron commitment to reduce overflows into the River Chelt by 85% by the end of 2024...we will do whatever it takes.”
Severn Trent have now finished installing new technical equipment in the combined sewage overflow in Charlton Kings. Alex has been assured that the final engineering solution will be deployed later this year.