Stevenage Conservative Parliamentary Candidate Stephen McPartland brought Shadow Environment Secretary Nick Herbert to see the River Beane near the White Hall Pumping Station at Aston.  Stephen and Nick were accompanied by Oliver Heald, Conservative Candidate for North East Hertfordshire.  The three would-be MPs were met at the River Beane by rivers’ campaigners including Dave Stimpson, Chairman of the River Beane Restoration Association. 

Campaigners explained the problems of over-extraction and low water levels on the River, and Nick responded by explaining Conservative policy on chalk rivers and that there is to be a White Paper explaining how to create a better river and water network. 

Commenting, Nick Herbert said, “There is a really serious problem with the huge demand for water from the growing population, climate change and some of the rivers are on the edge.  I have come here to support local people who value the rivers and try and rebuild the capacity of this important ecological asset.”

Commenting, Stephen McPartland said, “I am delighted that Nick was able to come to the Stevenage Constituency and see for himself the state of the River Beane.  I am delighted that the Conservatives are producing a White Paper aimed at tackling these difficult problems.” 

Oliver Heald added, “My campaigning at Westminster for the Government to produce a plan to protect and improve these precious river habitats has been gaining support and I am glad that Nick is working hard on this.”