Residents urged to give Southern Water a grilling

GOSPORT MP Caroline Dinenage has arranged a public meeting with Southern Water for constituents to discuss local concerns about water quality and other issues.

Constituents from Gosport, Lee-on-the-Solent, Stubbington and Hill Head are invited to an online meeting which will take place at 6pm this Thursday, November 4, when they can hear from Southern Water CEO Ian McAulay and have their questions answered.

Ms Dinenage said: “Understandably my mailbag has been full of concerned constituents raising questions about our water quality, particularly since the Environment Bill hit the headlines. As someone who regularly enjoys a swim at our local beaches, I fully understand and share people’s worries and have consistently pushed for improvements.

 “In a recent meeting with Southern Water bosses, I asked if they would attend an event with constituents to discuss people’s concerns and outline their plans to improve our water quality – I am delighted they have agreed.”

And Mr McAualy said: “Protecting our rivers, beaches and coasts is important to us all and is an emotive issue. All 83 of our bathing waters meet strict European standards, a challenge which 20 years ago seemed impossible, but was delivered.

 “Now we want to take the next steps, further improving bathing water quality and extending the same standards to our region’s rivers. I look forward to an open and engaging conversation where we can all bring our ideas and information to inform actions going forward.”

 This meeting is only open to constituents from Gosport, Lee-on-the- Solent, Stubbington and Hill Head. Constituents can register to attend at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/southern-water-public-meeting-tickets-200081698747. The poster for the event can be seen via this link.