Grass roots movements are demanding action in areas like water and the natural environment

The recent Channel 4 drama Dirty Business exposed the scandal that is the privatised water industry. Literally thousands of gallons of sewage being poured into our waterways. The damage caused to humans and wildlife. The privatisation of water has been a disaster since it took place in 1989. People were sold the lie that privatisation would bring money and expertise into the sector. The reverse occurred, less money spent on infrastructure, so no reservoirs built, leaks not fixed and sewage pumping into the seas and rivers. Meanwhile, the companies paid out generous dividends to shareholders and piled up debt. It is difficult to see why people cannot see the futility of privatising public utilities. The privateers want one thing -profit. Privatisation offers a great opportunity to asset strip and operate monopolies on vital services. The pattern is well known: sell off assets (often property), the cost to consumers goes up and services gets worse. It has been seen with water, the railways and most recently Royal Mail, yet still this madness continues. Water needs to be renationalised with proper regulation. Dirty Business exposed the ineffectual nature of the Environment Agency, which seems to have an unhealthily close relationship with the water companies it is supposed to regulate. The good news is that people are fighting back and taking control. Dirty Business, features the Windrush Against Sewage Pollution and Surfers Against Sewage. There are many of these type of groups springing up across the country. Here, there is the River Roding Trust (RRT). The growth and influence of this group has been a wonder to behold. Wren members, who attended the recent AGM, will have heard Paul Powesland's inspirational account of how he got involved and fell in love with the river. RRT members take action on the river, monitoring sewage leaks, clearing rubbish and planting trees on the borders. One recent action saw members clear out and recover the Aldersbrook. What is for sure is that the Roding now has a strong group of guardians, looking out for its welfare. Thames Water and the Environment Agency will not be allowed to ignore their responsibilities anymore, on this stretch of water. The Wren Group ofcourse fulfill a similar role with Wanstead Park and the Flats. The Wrens do practical work alongside Epping Forest staff. They also have a significant voice in the management of the area. These type of groups proliferate in this area. So there is Friends of Wanstead Park and the Wanstead Community Gardeners all playing different roles. The growing concern of people about the environment has been reflected in the support for the Nature Emergency called by Redbridge Council in January. An inaugural meeting, attended by over 100 people, to get things moving, took place at In llford library last month (march). Expectancy levels are high. So, much is happening, a real grass roots movement, fired by direct action and demanding results is taking shape. It would be very silly for politicians and other decision makers to take these people for granted. They expect not simply to do voluntary work and get a pat on the head for their troubles. Taking these actions comes with a price which is a real voice in making decisions effecting our natural heritage. The time for talking has long past. People want action, starting with cleaning up our waterways and addressing the biodiversity crisis.Voters at the upcoming council elections will be looking to elect those genuinely committed to bringing about such change. The time for sitting on the fence has long since passed. Onward.