Southern Water is ‘readily destroying’ Ryde’s marine life, an Isle of Wight councillor has claimed.
The Appley Sewage Works has pumped out sewage into the Solent ‘nearly 200 times’ since January, Councillor Michael Lilley told Ryde Town Council at a recent meeting.
Ryde Appley and Elmfield’s Liberal Democrat representative said:
“The pipe has already burst in fields opposite Appley Manor this year because of the increasing flow and the pumping station looks an eyesore with fencing all round it.
“We should be calling Southern Water to account to this committee and to this community because it’s absolutely appalling – they are readily destroying the marine life of this community.
“I have called for some electronic signage that tells the visitors and the community whether the beach is safe…and Southern Water should pay for it.”
Nick Mills, director of environment and innovation at Southern Water, has said:
“We share the public’s desire for cleaner rivers and seas, and that is why we are investing significant amounts of money and resources to play our part in protecting and enhancing water quality – through reducing the use of storm overflows and upgrading our infrastructure.
Article continues below this advertisement “But there are many other factors which can also lead to water quality concerns, including road, industrial, illegal connections, private drainage and agricultural run-off, so it’s crucial we work with partners to take a holistic approach to solving challenges.
“In Ryde, the Environment Agency rated bathing water here as Good in 2024, for the third year running – and we continue to work closely with partners to maintain high standards.”
How on earth can the bathing water quality be good!?
I wouldn’t swim in our sea water.
it’s a terrible shame to know holiday makers and residents
will suffer if they do.
It’s appalling how much we have to pay as well for our water and my recent bill has gone up. Shocking
What is OFWAT doing about this?
That’s right Southern water need to be accountable & the cheek of putting our bills up 47% on top of this is unbelievable!
Southern water have no influence on how many houses are built and they struggle to deal with the consequence.
Look towards the cause.
The “overflows” are not due to flash flooding as there has been no rain, it’s all to do with too many people, too many houses, and look out, more to come.
another full scale sewage works is needed, perhaps financed by the building industry.