Blue plaque treasure hunt launched in Newark and Sherwood highlighting Newark MP Robert Jenrick voting record on the environment

An environmental group is planning to protest Newark MP Robert Jenrick's voting history with a series of fake blue plaque placed around the district.

The plaques will be appear this weekend by waterways and at some of Newark and Sherwood's most iconic locations including Southwell Minster.

The plaques read: “Robert Jenrick MP voted against reducing the dumping of raw sewage in our rivers. Demand change now."

Extinction Rebellion Newark and Sherwood are also challenging residents to see how many they can find and share on social media using #dirtywater.

They aim to highlight health impacts of dumping raw sewage into seas and waterways has on both humans and wildlife as well as shine the light on MPs — including Newark MP Robert Jenrick — who they say voted to block a law which would have forced water companies in the UK to clean up sewage before discharge properly.

Extinction Rebellion member, Simon Tilley said: "These blue plaques aim to expose how our clean water and biodiversity are being sacrificed by politicians and water companies who see our rivers and seas as nothing more than a commodity to be exploited.”

According to Extinction Rebellion, Environment Agency data reveals raw sewage was discharged into rivers and coastal waters more than 400,000 times in England last year.

Swallowing water contaminated by sewage can be damaging to health, making people sick and potentially critically ill — as it can contain high-risk bacteria such as salmonella and e.coli and diseases including hepatitis A and leptospirosis.

Campaigners fear that this is a severe human and wildlife health hazard and has become routine in the interests of saving money.

Robert Jenrick has been approached for comment.