Local MP, Caroline Dinenage, has arranged a public meeting with Southern Water and the Environment Agency for constituents to discuss local concerns about water quality and other issues.
Constituents from Gosport, Lee on the Solent, Stubbington and Hill Head are invited to an online meeting which will take place on Monday 28 March at 6pm where they can ask questions and hear from Southern Water and the Environment Agency.
Ahead of the meeting Caroline said:
“Understandably my mailbag has been full of concerned constituents raising questions about our water quality, particularly since the Environment Bill hit the headlines. As someone who regularly enjoys a swim at our local beaches, I fully understand and share people’s worries and have consistently pushed for improvements.
In a recent meeting with Southern Water bosses, I asked if they would attend an event with constituents to discuss people’s concerns and outline their plans to improve our water quality - I am delighted they have agreed.”
Ian McAualy, Chief Executive of Southern Water said:
“Protecting our rivers, beaches and coasts is important to us all and is an emotive issue. All 83 of our bathing waters meet strict European standards, a challenge which even 20 years ago seemed impossible, but was delivered. This year saw the best results ever achieved with 60 now at excellent and 20 at good.
Now we want to take the next steps, managing water in all its many forms more effectively and efficiently to further improve bathing water quality and extending the same approach to our region’s rivers. It has become clear that water companies cannot achieve this on their won. The recently published Environmental Audit Committee report affirmed this and highlighted agriculture and highways as key areas where big gains can be made. There is much that can be done by working effectively in partnership and I look forward to an open and engaging conversation where we can all bring our ideas and information to inform actions going forward.”
This meeting is open to constituents from Gosport, Lee on the Solent, Stubbington and Hill Head only and constituents can register to attend at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/southern-water-public-meeting-tickets-265061655547.
