Victorian sewers can’t be improved overnight

I am a regular river swimmer and don’t want to be ‘going through the motions’, however your headline about a Government U-turn on sewage overflows is unfair.

We inherited our system from the Victorians but neither the private nor the previous, nationalised water companies invested in the improvements that were needed over the many decades since.

This cannot be rectified overnight, which the House of Lords amendment would have made a legal obligation. The Government’s bill instead will require investment in upgrades over time and we need to hold its, and the companies’ noses to this.

Amongst other actions, we must keep reminding our MP that this is high priority.

Had John K of Cookham written directly to Theresa May instead of asking her rhetorically via this Letters page (Viewpoint, October 28) her office would have explained clearly why she voted against the Lords’ amendment.

He (and we) should also ask her what rate of progress she will demand.

Any alternative government would have to face the same reality so their political contenders should also be asked.

NICK TOEMAN Courthouse Road

Maidenhead