WATERAID campaigner Dave Shurlock made a Big Stink at Jeremy Hunt’s constituency surgery in Godalming last Friday, presenting the South West Surrey MP with a report on the global sanitation crisis.

The Big Stink report remembers when Mr Hunt’s predecessors in the House of Commons were so disgusted by the smell of effluent in the River Thames that they resolved to build London’s first proper system of sewers – which are still in use today.

Now exactly 150 years since the system opened WaterAid is highlighting the sanitation problems still endured by 2.5 billion people in the developing world.

Mr Shurlock, who lives in Upper Hale in Farnham, said: “I told Mr Hunt that there are a billion people in the developing world who have no option but to defecate in the open. But there are global plans set for approval by the UN at the end of September that aim to reach everyone everywhere with safe water and sanitation by 2030. I thanked Mr Hunt for the Government’s leading role in the negotiations.”

He added: “The UK is a world leader in international development – a record to be proud of. Our government could move towards ending aid dependency by working more with developing countries to deliver and sustain their own water, sanitation and hygiene services. Mr Hunt has written to Justine Greening MP, Secretary of State for International Development on the subject.”

For a copy of the Big Stink report or for an illustrated talk on the work of WaterAid for a school, youth or community group visit the website www.wateraidwestsurrey.org or call Mr Shurlock on 07934 839608.

Jeremy Hunt hosts regular surgeries throughout the constituency to give residents the opportunity to discuss any issues or problems they may be experiencing. These are held in rotation at his office in Hindhead, Sainsbury’s in Godalming and Sainsbury’s in South Street, Farnham.

To find out where and when the MP’s next surgery is call 01428 609416 to book a 10-minute appointment.

Alternatively, e-mail Mr Hunt directly at [email protected] or by letter to 2 Royal Parade, Tilford Road, Hindhead, Surrey GU26 6TD.