Bognor and Littlehampton residents given chance to challenge Southern Water at upcoming public meeting

Alison Griffiths, MP for Bognor and Littlehampton, is organising the follow-up meeting on Thursday, November 12, from 6pm to 7.30pm, following a packed event in April where residents questioned water industry representatives about the condition of local rivers and beaches.

The April meeting, held at St Mary's Centre in Felpham, reached capacity, with Southern Water chief executive Lawrence Gosden and Environment Agency representatives among those attending. Residents raised concerns about sewage discharges, storm overflows and bathing water quality at Aldwick and Bognor Regis East.

In a written update to the MP, Mr Gosden outlined investigations and improvement work across the area.

Southern Water said it had corrected 21 drainage misconnections and repaired four defective sewers. It also detailed plans to reduce storm overflow discharges at Shripney Road Pumping Station and upgrade Lidsey Wastewater Treatment Works.

The company said its investment across Bognor Regis, Littlehampton and surrounding villages was intended to reduce overflows and improve water quality.

The November meeting will give residents another opportunity to question the company about its commitments and the work carried out since April.

The venue has yet to be announced. The meeting is open to all constituents, but registration is required for security purposes.

Mrs Griffiths said: “At our public meeting in April, residents from across Bognor Regis, Littlehampton and our villages told Southern Water we've had enough of sewage polluting our rivers and seas.

“Next month, Southern Water is coming back to report on its progress. I'll be pressing for evidence that its work is making a difference, not more promises.

“The more of us who come, the harder we are to ignore.”

Residents can find further information and register to attend via Mrs Griffiths' website .