Island MP Bob Seely has won a commitment from Southern Water that it will prioritise the Isle of Wight for multi-million-pound investment work designed to significantly reduce sewage and storm overflows into the seas around the Island.
The Island is set to become 1 of a small number of national ‘pathfinder’ sites, which will act as an example of best practice by Southern Water.
The plans were confirmed in a letter to the Island’s MP on 20th December 2021.
Bob Seely, the Isle of Wight’s MP said:
“The Government’s ground-breaking Environment Bill demands that water companies raise their standards. On the back of that, I have made clear that the Isle of Wight must be prioritised to become an example of best practice.
“Our rivers and beaches have high amenity value and ecological significance. We need improvements here first. We need clean sea and river water for Islanders, for visitors and for our environment. I welcome Southern Water’s commitment to prioritise the Island. It is the right thing to do.
“I want us always to be the first in the queue for investment and improvements – and that means getting us included in pilot projects and getting the Isle of Wight to lead the way. It’s all part of getting a better deal for the Island.”
Southern Water says the project – centred around the Sandown area which is the hub of the company’s water treatment infrastructure – would help 90% of communities on the Island.
Dr Toby Willison, Southern Water’s Director of Environment and Corporate Affairs said:
“At Southern Water we are committed to reducing the impact of Combined Sewer Overflows. The pathfinder project on the Isle of Wight will continue our work to improve the quality of the island’s environment, especially the beaches.
“I’m excited that the project will show what is possible elsewhere across the country, this is a great example of Southern Water and the Isle of Wight leading the way.”
Bob Seely said he was delighted with the project, although the next step was to ensure that all of the Island was covered by the project.
“I am looking forward to meeting with Southern Water soon.
“I want no part of the Island missed in the drive to reduce storm discharges and I want to hear more about their timescales for this project to ensure improvements are delivered as quickly as possible.”
and pigs might fly over the island
Maybe while SW sort their bit out the council can clamp down on the dogs s..t on the pavements and grass verges
If the council can’t make money out of cleaning it they won’t bother
Agree. Why can’t the council do something about the amount of poop that plagues our streets and walk ways. Supposed to be a holiday island……they need to employ some people to go out and catch the lazy dog owners who think it’s ok just to walk off and not clear up after their dog. Give them a hefty fine…most expensive poop their dog will ever do!!!!
And will they finally give us in Nicholas Close, Brading a brand new pipe from the pumping station to the main road. The old pipe has been repaired so many times that its just like a sieve, full of ruddy holes.
Lip service. Wont make any difference/be enacted. Not enough money to be made.
Lets hope southern water keeps to there word
Dear Mr Seely, Your reputation as MP for the Island is already declining in a big way. We will keep taps on this matter to see if this is just another broken promise or something you will achieve on behalf of your constituents
Sewage Seely now then, nothing will be any different at all, it is just a way of justifying putting up our bills, even if they say they won’t, they will find a way.
in gurnard since christmas pure …it has been pumped into the sea and many other parts of the island this is 2022 not 1970 discusting….im shocked i thought this had stopped years ago…
Not in a million years Bob, don’t forget the vast majority of our water system is Victorian