Community Challenges Beyond The Noticeboard: Sewage, Storms, and Slow Action
Hi, I’m Steph, parish councillor, charity chair, trustee, community volunteer, and founder of Savvy Business Management. I work alongside residents and local groups to face the real challenges affecting our towns and villages, especially the ones that don’t make it to the headlines or community newsletters.
Why This Edition Matters
This week, I’m focusing on the environmental and infrastructure challenges that are affecting our community, particularly flooding, river pollution, and the ongoing struggle to get meaningful action. These issues highlight not only the cracks in our systems but the resilience of local people who step in when support is lacking.
Through my business, I support councils and community organisations dealing with issues just like this helping them apply for funding, improve their communication strategies, and plan for longer-term sustainability. These challenges are part of the reason Savvy Business Management exists: to offer practical support where it’s most needed.
What’s Really Going On?
Overflowing drains. Flooded parks. Contaminated play areas. Not just because of storms, but because our systems are failing. Many areas still rely on combined sewer systems where sewage and rainwater share the same pipes. When it rains heavily, the system overflows straight into rivers and public spaces.
📊 In 2023, England recorded over 3.6 million hours of untreated sewage discharges – a 60% increase from the previous year (Environment Agency).
In Jubilee Park, we’ve had to close play areas due to potential contamination. The river burst its banks and families were turned away. This is the reality, and it isn’t going away.
Behind the Scenes: What You Don’t See
The work starts long before the flooding. I’ve been out with gloves and tools, clearing drains before storms. I’ve helped set up barriers around collapsed covers. I’ve even stood in a giant park hole just to show how bad the situation is.
It’s local people doing what they can, because we know what’s coming, and we’re trying to prevent it.
Reporting Pollution Shouldn’t Be a Fight
When I recently reported foamy, brown river water to the Environment Agency, I had to call multiple times to get the location corrected. When they did respond, the outcome was disappointing – no real consequences, just a verbal warning to the developer involved.
It shouldn’t be this hard to get a serious issue addressed.
What’s Being Promised
In March, I joined a joint meeting with Severn Trent Water, the Environment Agency, Staffordshire County Council, planning officers, and the MP’s office.
Here’s what Severn Trent proposed:
• Diverting surface water straight into the river
• 2.5km of underground floodwater storage tanks
• Raising manhole covers
• Flow control devices
• Surface and foul water separation where possible
• More proactive inspections and maintenance
It’s something, but construction isn’t expected to begin until 2026.
In the meantime, we’re still dealing with flooded roads, worried residents, and closed parks. And our community’s concerns need to stay front and centre.
What Doesn’t Make the Noticeboard
You won’t see this in the local flyer or pinned to the noticeboard:
• The hours spent chasing responses
• The emergency measures by volunteers
• The planning meetings
• The park clean-ups
But these are the moments that matter. These are the stories worth sharing. And these are the very issues that shape our communities.
What You Can Do
If you see or smell pollution:
✅ Call Severn Trent: 0800 783 4444
✅ Call the Environment Agency: 0800 80 70 60
Ask for an incident number so it’s recorded. Tag local representatives. Speak up. The more of us who raise our voices, the harder it becomes to ignore.
🎧 Watch or Listen to This Episode of Beyond the Noticeboard
🎙️ Sewage, Storms and Slow Action: What’s Failing Our River? is now live.
▶️ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@BeyondTheNoticeboard
🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-noticeboard/id1807340417
🎧 Spotify: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/beyondthenoticeboard
Watch the full episode right here:
Conclusion
These kinds of challenges reveal how much responsibility falls to local communities and volunteers when systems fail. We may not be able to fix the problem overnight, but by continuing to raise awareness, speak up, and support each other, we can keep pressure on those who hold the power and make progress, even if it’s slow.
Support & Resources for Your Organisation
At Savvy Business Management, I offer guidance and practical tools for rural businesses, charities, and councils.
📌 Writing Winning Grant Applications
📌 Social Media Starter Workbook
More tailored support available:
Entrepreneurs & Growing Businesses
Find out more about me and how I can help:
About Savvy Business Management
Thank You for Reading
Thank you for being part of this conversation. The issues affecting our communities deserve time, energy, and attention, even when they’re uncomfortable. I hope this edition gives you a window into the work that’s happening and the change we’re pushing for.
Stephanie Akerman
Founder, Savvy Business Management | Local Councillor | Community Volunteer | Chair of Great Wood Community Hall
