COUNCILLORS in Darfield say they’re outraged following revelations that Yorkshire Water discharged raw sewage into rivers across their ward for over 50 days last year.

The River Dearne, River Dove and Bulling Dyke, vital to the area’s ecosystem and public health, were among the worst affected.

Some spills lasted over 28 consecutive days.

Coun Pauline Markham, who represents Darfield, labelled the spills as ‘troubling’ and called for immediate accountability.

She told the Chronicle: “Privatised water companies may seek to blame increased rainfall, but while they pay bonuses to directors, our rivers are being filled with untreated waste.”

This environmental crisis comes just days after the Labour government pledged to eliminate unauthorised sewage spills within the next decade, as part of a sweeping £104bn infrastructure investment.

Environment Secretary Steve Reed announced the plan as a cornerstone of Labour’s ‘decade of national renewal’, aiming to halve sewage pollution by 2030 and restore Britain’s rivers to their cleanest state on record.

Local councillors are urging Yorkshire Water to accelerate its £180m regional improvement programme and align with national targets.

“Enough is enough,” said Coun Markham.

“We need clean rivers, not corporate excuses.

“Our community calls on regulators and government officials to ensure Yorkshire Water is held accountable and that Darfield’s waterways are protected for future generations.”