Surfers Protest Sewage

PROTESTERS took to the beaches in a ‘Paddle Out Protest’ against sewage being dumped in coastal waters.
Southend Against Sewage organised the event at Chalkwell Beach as part of a national day of action organised by Surfers Against Sewage.
Campaigners were joined by residents and the newly-elected Green Party councillor Kay Mitchell, who were all calling for tougher action against water companies and greater protection for Southend’s beaches.
The Environment Agency said that the number of storm overflow spills dropped 35% last year compared to the year before.
However, local campaigners claimed that last year sewage was discharged 120 times in Southend
lasting more than 240 hours in total.
The group also says the city has lost three Blue Flag beach awards since 2023.
For Southend, where the seafront plays a vital role in the city’s identity, tourism and economy, campaigners argue that clean bathing water is as much a community issue as an environmental one.
A spokesperson for Southend Against Sewage said: “For forty years water company bosses have enjoyed massive company bonuses and shareholders incredible dividends. While our infrastructure worsened, our environment degraded and habitats faced destruction.
“What Southend Against Sewage is calling for, is radical reform. Huge fines for polluters. Corporate criminal responsibility for those water company bosses, responsible for sewage pollution.
“Greater shareholder responsibility and oversight, with shares being transferred back into public ownership for failing to meet environmental targets. A pathway to renationalising the whole water industry for its continued poor performance. The only way to stop the madness, is to stop repeating the actions of the past!”
Picture: Newly-elected Green Party councillor Kay Mitchell
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