On Monday evening, the BBC Panorama programme focused on the widespread illegal dumping by water companies of untreated sewage into protected waterways.

The Panorama investigation was limited to England but here too we appear to have problems.

I am no expert on such matters but Mr Frank Neate, Aberlady resident and community councillor, has presented SEPA with evidence that untreated sewage is regularly released into Aberlady Bay by Scottish Water through two combined sewage outlets.

The bay is internationally recognised for its wildlife habitat and is a popular local visitor attraction too.

Mr Neate’s protestations have so far fallen on deaf ears.

Perhaps the exposure presented by the Panorama investigation will help unplug them.

Whatever the truths of the matter, some transparency would be welcome.

Ian Malcolm,

Aberlady