I’ve called on Southern Water to set out a clear plan for improving the water network in Faversham and Mid Kent.
Like many people, I was extremely concerned by the recent fine awarded to Southern Water for almost 7,000 incidents of unpermitted sewage discharges across Kent, Hampshire, and Sussex.
These are problems I have raised repeatedly with Southern Water, the Environment Agency, and colleagues in Government.
It’s extremely concerning that local beaches have been closed to swimmers again this week on account of sewage discharges. This is hugely frustrating, particularly with more people choosing to holiday at home this year.
I’m pleased the Government will be tightening the law around permitted sewage discharges as part of our Environment Bill. The changes will include the need for water companies and the Environment Agency to publish data on storm overflow operations annually.
I’ve welcomed the commitment from Southern Water to invest more than £2 billion over the next four years. But local residents want to know how much of this investment will be spent upgrading the wastewater treatment works in Faversham and other parts of the network.
I’ve written to Southern Water to ask for a clear plan for investment, and an offer to help fix problems with the sewage network in Faversham and Mid Kent once and for all.
