A Shropshire MP has asked for “urgent clarification” on the future of a fund used to improve water quality.

The local MP has raised concerns over the future of the the Water Restoration Fund, which invested water company environmental fines and penalties  to directly improve the water environment.

Previously, local groups, farmers and landowners, and community-led schemes could bid for £11 million to bolster their capacity and capabilities for projects to improve the water environment.

Stuart has now called for the scheme to be continued, and is urging the government not to dilute the ‘polluter-pays’ principle.

Stuart Anderson MP said: “It was the previous government that gave the polluter-pays principle real meaning by introducing the Water Restoration Fund with an initial £11 million available to support and accelerate on-the-ground community projects that restore and improve water environments such as our rivers, canals, and lakes.

"I believe that the funds raised from fines and penalties levied on water polluters should continue to be invested directly to such projects that clean up our waterways. It would be deeply regrettable if the new government did not do so.

"Yet, it appears that money more recently paid by water companies has not yet been dedicated to the Fund. So, I have called on the government to ensure that the funds raised reach grassroots projects that improve the water environment.”