MP Joins Bembridge Residents Opposing Proposed Sewage Discharge Plans

East Wight MP Joe Robertson has joined local residents in opposing plans that could see additional combined sewage overflows discharged onto a beach in Bembridge.

More than 100 people gathered on the beach on Monday (June 8) to voice their concerns about Southern Water's proposal to bring a disused combined sewer overflow (CSO) pipe back into operation.

The demonstration was organised by local resident Andrew Holman and was attended by Mr Robertson and Councillor Sally Grylls.

Southern Water has submitted plans to reactivate the overflow pipe, part of which remains visible on the beach.

Residents say they cannot recall it being used for decades, while Southern Water has reportedly been unable to confirm when it last operated.

The proposal has been allowed to proceed by the Environment Agency on the basis that it relates to existing infrastructure rather than the creation of a new outfall.

However, Mr Robertson has criticised both Southern Water and the Environment Agency, describing the situation as "completely unacceptable".

In a letter to Government ministers, the East Wight MP argued that the proposal should be viewed as the creation of a new sewage discharge location rather than the reactivation of existing infrastructure.

He said:

"For anyone living in the real world, this is not a case of re-establishing existing infrastructure but opening up a new location to dump sewage in the worst possible place for public health."

Bembridge already has an operational combined sewer overflow which discharges into the sea beyond the RNLI lifeboat station.

Residents have raised concerns about the potential environmental impact of additional discharges close to Bembridge Harbour and within a mile of the popular Priory Bay.

Andrew Holman, who organised the protest, has argued that any discharge could affect both Bembridge Harbour and nearby seagrass meadows, depending on tidal conditions.

Following the demonstration, Mr Robertson raised the issue in the House of Commons, asking what support the Government could provide to prevent the plans from going ahead.

Addressing Water and Flooding Minister Emma Hardy, he said:

"Southern Water is preparing to dump sewage on a beach in Bembridge, on the Isle of Wight, in a new location.

"The Environment Agency says that that is okay because there is an old combined sewer overflow pipe there, notwithstanding the fact that it has not been used in decades.

"Does the Minister agree that that is unacceptable? If she does, what assistance can she and her Government provide to stop this from happening?"

Responding in the Commons, Ms Hardy said:

"The hon. Gentleman raises an important point. I would be happy to look into it and get back to him.

"If he wants to have a meeting with me to discuss it further, we can make that arrangement."

Mr Robertson has since written to the Minister requesting an urgent meeting, warning that if the scheme proceeds, Southern Water expects discharges to occur on average once a month in an area popular with families, swimmers and beachgoers.

A Southern Water spokesperson said:

“We understand there are concerns about our work at Bembridge Point and we continue to share information with local residents and stakeholders.

"The existing overflow is a long-established part of our network - since at least the 1930s - but rising beach levels have caused it to become blocked, which puts local homes and businesses at risk of flooding.

"So we’re repairing it, not only to ensure regulatory compliance, but so that it operates as intended to protect local properties.

"Contrary to some reports, we’re not installing a new pipe or a new combined sewer overflow.

"Overflows only operate during storm conditions, and monitoring and operational data suggests that, once restored, there should be no noticeable effect on the local environment.

"Due to the way the network is built in the area, there are no feasible alternatives.

"Reducing overflows is a priority for us, and our £1.5bn Clean Rivers and Seas Plan has already prevented hundreds of releases in its first year.

"We’ll continue to share information on overflows through our Rivers & Seas Watch app, working with the community to address concerns.”