‘Surfers Against Sewage’ campaign, organised a local ‘Paddle Out’ off Hayling island.
To
show support for the ‘Surfers Against Sewage’ campaign,
Reuben, Charles and Netty, newly elected Havant Green Party
Councillors, organised a local ‘Paddle Out’ off Hayling
island. They want to, once again, highlight the issues
around concerns for cleaner waters of our coast and estuary.
They wish to promote the success in achieving ‘Blue Flag’
status at Hayling Island beachlands area. However, it would
be fantastic if water quality standards could be raised
throughout the Borough’s coastline and estuary.
Joined by locals, they aimed to highlight the ongoing issue
of sewage discharges from Budds farm and the risks it can
bring to sea users. Clean Harbours Partnership (CHP) tested
water samples from Langstone and Chichester harbours, in
November.
‘One
site showed 760 times the maximum level of E. coli that
would be allowed if it was a bathing area’, CHP said.
CLLR
Reuben Mychaleckyj quotes “After door knocking hundreds of
residents around the area, sewage and clean waters was the
number one issue raised. We want to show our support for a
quicker resolution to the problem and let residents know
that we’ll do everything within our powers to make our
waters safe and healthy once again”.
CLLR
Charles Robert quotes. “We have such a beautiful coastline
right on our doorstep, and it’s a concern that a number of
residents feel apprehensive about entering the water along
some parts of the coast and estuary. Parents should not have
to deliberate as to whether to keep their children from
entering the sea and we are hopeful to find a way forward,
with energy and ambition, brought by the newly formed
Coalition leading Havant Borough Council”
Southern Water said it was ‘investing £22m to increase
capacity at Budds Farm, reducing the risk of discharges into
Langstone Harbour’.
Reuben Mychaleckyj 18th May