Political opinion with Alison Griffiths MP: Now is the time for Southern Water to deliver clean water for our community
In her weekly column for Sussex World, Alison Griffiths – MP for Bognor Regis and Littlehampton – calls for Southern Water to act on sewage pollution following her packed public meeting.
As a sea swimmer and sailor, sewage pollution and bathing water quality have long been important to me. I have heard from huge numbers of residents who are equally fed up and worried about the state of our local waters.
So last week, I organised and hosted a public meeting with Southern Water, bringing together constituents from Bognor Regis, Littlehampton and surrounding villages.
The meeting quickly reached full capacity, which tells you everything you need to know about how strongly people feel about this issue.
Our coastline is a huge part of local life, whether you’re a swimmer, walker, business owner, or simply someone who cares about the environment we pass on.
That’s why it was so important to me that Southern Water’s Chief Executive, Lawrence Gosden, attended in person, alongside senior representatives from Southern Water and the Environment Agency. I wanted local residents to have the chance to ask questions directly to the people whose job it is to earn back their trust.
Residents raised serious concerns about sewage discharges, storm overflows, and the ongoing impact on bathing water quality, including at Bognor Regis (Aldwick) and the recent downgrades at Bognor Regis East. There were also strong calls for better monitoring and clearer information, so people can see what’s happening and whether improvements are actually being made.
I was clear at the meeting that constituents have had enough of repeated failings. People aren’t asking for the impossible. They want clear answers, proper investment, and confidence that Southern Water is taking this seriously.
I welcome Lawrence’s commitment to return for another meeting in six months’ time. But what matters now is delivery. Southern Water will only rebuild our trust if we see measurable progress, and fast.
I will continue relentlessly pressing Southern Water, as well as the Government and the Environment Agency, to ensure improvements are made and our community gets the clean, safe water it deserves.