East Cowes Town Council Passes No Confidence Motion In Southern Water

East Cowes Town Council has passed a motion of no confidence in Southern Water over what it describes as repeated failures involving wastewater and sewage infrastructure.

The motion was agreed at the town council's meeting on September 17 and expresses no confidence in Southern Water's current management of infrastructure serving East Cowes and the surrounding Medina area.

The motion refers to repeated infrastructure failures, pollution incidents and sewage discharges which the council says have affected residents, local waters and the environment.

It calls on Southern Water to provide a clear, fully costed and time-bound programme of investment and remedial work for infrastructure serving East Cowes.

The council also wants measures to improve the resilience of the network and reduce the risk of further pollution incidents.

Councillors have considered a number of sewage-related incidents affecting the town, including a burst untreated wastewater pipe at Millfield Avenue.

According to East Cowes Town Council, that incident resulted in sewage entering Old Road and surrounding gardens, driveways and garages.

The council says the incident also caused damage to the highway and affected access to Holy Cross School, while Southern Water subsequently issued warnings against bathing in the sea around East Cowes.

Members have also received information presented by independent Isle of Wight councillor Becca Cameron about sewage discharges and their impact on residents and the local environment.

Southern Water said it takes concerns about its performance seriously and recognises that customers in the Cowes area want further improvements to the wastewater network.

A spokesperson said the company is investing millions of pounds to reduce storm overflows, improve infrastructure and enhance environmental performance across the Isle of Wight.

Southern Water said it has also made commitments aimed at reducing spills, strengthening engagement, improving communication and increasing transparency.

The company says more than £67 million is being invested across the Island.

It also held a Your Water Matters event on the Isle of Wight earlier this month, where concerns were discussed with customers.