News from Sheffield Labour

Angela Smith MP checks out land management with Yorkshire Water

Angela Smith MP sees for herself how Yorkshire Water is working to improve the land they own and manage.

Over the Bank Holiday, local South Yorkshire MP Angela Smith visited Yorkshire Water’s Langsett reservoir to see for herself the work they are planning with their partners to improve and protect our moors.

The company owns and operates over 14 reservoirs in the area and owns many acres of land, which makes it an important player in protecting many of the area’s most beautiful assets.

Local MP Angela Smith, known as a great supporter of the area’s natural environment and the Peak National Park, wanted to see for herself what this important land owner is doing to protect and improve the moors and forests of the area which makes up the north of Sheffield and the west of Barnsley.

While there she was given a tour of the many footpaths installed to improve access to the area around the reservoir and given details of the company’s discussions with Moors for the Future, about how it can contribute towards restoring our peat bogs.

Commenting on the visit, Angela said:

“As many people know, I have always had an interest in the natural environment and making sure everyone gets access to it. Not only that; it is also important we protect that environment for generations to come. I’m pleased that major land owners such as Yorkshire Water are now working not only to start to protect that environment but to improve it. What’s more, this work will not only help keep our wonderful moors in good condition but will also help stop some of the terrible floods we saw a couple of years ago. Restored peat bogs will help soak up some of that water, meaning less water down stream.

“It is also important to see people get proper access to these areas so it was also pleasing to see the work they are doing to improve access under one of this government’s great achievements’, the Right to Roam legislation.”

Other news from Sheffield Labour

• Angela Smith MP welcomes dangerous dogs announcement - 10 March 2010
• MPs plan post-election 'Rail in the North' group - 9 March 2010
• Government should not be in this fishy business - 9 March 2010