Around 100 people were joined by the Island’s MP as they called for a stop to sewage being discharged into the sea at a protest in Gurnard on Saturday (15th October).
The protestors gathered on the shore to raise awareness of the issue, calling for Southern Water to do all they can to resolve the situation because, as 1 protestor bluntly put it, they don’t want to swim in sh*t anymore.
Bob Seely MP told those present on Saturday that water firms like Southern Water have spilt too much sewage into rivers and onto beaches and must clean up their act.
He reiterated the solutions that had been discussed and agreed upon earlier in the year. However, locals say that almost of those solutions will be paid for not by Southern Water, but by the taxpayer, which is why the local people want action and investment by the perpetrators.
Gail Willows, one of those protesting, said:
“For most of us locals, we are not interested in the political positioning on this. We want solutions more urgently than are being delivered or presented by Southern Water as they continue to pollute our playground, and make crazy profits. All the solutions they present need to involve them putting their hand in their pockets.
“In short, we don’t want to swim or do watersports in sewage anymore”.
Bob Seely MP has said in a statement issued today (Monday):
“On Saturday I went to a rally in Gurnard to highlight continuing storm overspill discharges. Whilst over 90-percent of overspill is rainwater, some is domestic sewage.
“I would like to thank the Islanders that attended the protest meeting in Gurnard. I am grateful to them for letting me explain what’s been happening in Parliament and on the Island. They’re right to make their voices heard. I love my swimming and, as an occasional sea-swimmer, I share their concerns.
“Water firms HAVE spilled too much into rivers & beaches. They need to clean up their act. When the ground-breaking Environment Act was legislated last year, we persuaded Southern Water to make the Isle of Wight a test case for national best practice. I am glad that Southern Water now realise that their firm badly needs to raise their environmental standards.
“I spoke with Southern Water’s head environmental officer on Saturday. They are finalising dates to start improvements in Gurnard. This will happen next year.
“I followed this conversation by writing to Southern Water, asking them when residents can expect investment, what sort of investment they can expect, what regional variation in investments there might be, and what incentives Southern Water have to abide by their self-set deadlines.
“Southern Water has already invested considerably at Sandown treatment works, whilst also working to reduce driveway and road rainwater run-off. Southern Water are developing plans to ensure they are more focussed on water run-off in industrial areas. They have also promised to hand out slow-release water butts to households that request them, to help alleviate pressure on their water systems.
“A previous ‘water butt’ trial in Havenstreet has been very successful. Every household was offered a water butt, with 132-households accepting. Before the trial, Havenstreet pumping station spilled 20-30 times a year. Since the trial, Havenstreet station hasn’t spilled once; a promising start.
“I will work with community groups, Councillors and Southern Water to make sure we maintain and improve out Island’s environment – this is all part of getting a better deal for the Island.”
I also do not like walking along Island beaches and seeing dog turds rolling up and down with the waves.. sooo many dogs on this Island ? Why do the owners not clean up after them ? Just because they are allowed on the beach does not mean you do not have to pick up after them… or bury it in sand, deep..
IGNORANT PEOPLE
IGNORANT PEOPLE. Look who’s talking. And I suppose your poo will be wrapped up and burnt will it.no don’t blame dogs. When was the last time you saw a white crusted dog poo on the streets. You don’t . Because. Most yes most gets picked up. As on the beach.
I am sick of dogs in public places.
I agree, is it locals or holiday makers??
I’m afraid I think they shouldn’t be allowed on the beach at all! It’s bad enough sewage shit being pumped into the sea, but walking on the beach and standing in dog shit is too much!!
It would help if people reduced amount of showers they have everyday,and laundry etc. When these drains were made the majority of population had one or two a week and kid’s shared bath water, now that’s gone up probably 500% and more houses built means higher population. But we have same drains. Plus without lake’s of sewage water there is no where for it to go. I’m sure people will be happy to pay 2/3 x more for Water charges !
Whilst I agree water companies should invest more in making efforts to stop sewage spills, it seems silly to fine them millions that could be used to invest. Stop them paying dividends to share holders and freeze the profits until the job is complete.
Fining the water firms just puts their prices up – to us. Fine the directors!
Brother Seely has conveniently forgotten who gave away our utilities and with it our control over them. And he is not supporting the Climate and Ecology Bill now going through parliament, presumably because the whips have told him not to and he can’t think for himself.
Yet another useless Tory ruining our country while lining the pockets of their supporters.
Will only get worse when all the new homes have been built !!!!
No Greenfield no tree’s nowhere for excess water to go !!!!
Think it’s bad now look further down the line …..
Perhaps they will realise ?????
Concrete Greenfield ????