Following a motion raised at Full Council yesterday evening (Wednesday 21 June), Havant Borough Council has formally stated it intends to continue holding both Southern Water and the Environment Agency to account regarding the discharge of untreated sewage into Langstone and Chichester harbours.
A motion was raised by Councillor Phillip Munday regarding the installation of electronic signage at Beachlands, Hayling Island to provide up-to-date water quality warnings for those enjoying the island's world-class shoreline.
As custodian for 37 miles of coastline within the borough, Havant Borough Council formally responded:
- That the discharge of untreated or partially treated wastewater into the borough's bathing waters is completely unacceptable. The council will continue to put pressure on both Southern Water and the Environment Agency to stop these discharges and is demanding more clarity from Southern Water on the timing of the proposed improvements to stop this.
- The Leader of the council – in an open letter to the chief executive of the Environment Agency and co-signed by several county, district, and borough councils – has specifically requested a daily water quality prediction system and supporting electronic signage for bathing beaches, matching a system currently in place in Scotland.
- The council is currently developing proposals to make the existing water quality testing data more accessible, including undertaking a full assessment of the costs and feasibility of installing permanent electronic signage on the beach front.
- In the meantime, interim measures to improve public access to water quality data are also being investigated.
The Council recently committed to undertaking a 20-week programme of testing in Langstone Harbour in conjunction with Portsmouth City Council and the Langstone Harbour Board. This will commence imminently and run throughout the rest of bathing season and beyond. In addition to this the Council is investigating the feasibility of other innovative testing ideas, looking to trial these if the technology is proven to be able to provide accurate and regular information.
The Council has also set up the Hayling Island Beach Management Group, which is tasked with delivering on a number of interventions to improve the beachfront - including investigating future signage.
Councillor Alex Rennie – Leader of the Council – stated “Although as a local authority we have very limited powers to address the issue of untreated or partially treated sewage discharges, we have a strong moral obligation to care for our cherished coastal landscape which our residents actively enjoy and use. With that in mind, we are utterly committed to exploring new ways of engaging with residents and visitors about our coastline and providing information in the most practical way for them to safely use the beach. Hayling Island is the home of windsurfing, and its famed Blue Flag beach has been a family favourite for generations - Havant Borough Council will do its utmost to care for those who enjoy our waters, and address issues that unduly impact upon them.”
For more information on water quality in the borough, visit www.havant.gov.uk/water-quality.