Watershed Water Summit - Leigh-on-Sea

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Leigh On Sea News: Watershed Water Summit – ANGLIAN Water has explained what to flush and what not to flush at Southend City’s MPs latest water summit.

Watershed Water Summit - ANGLIAN Water has explained what to flush and what not to flush at Southend City’s MPs latest water summit.

ANGLIAN Water has explained what to flush and what not to flush at Southend City’s MPs latest water summit.

Hosted by David Burton-Sampson and Bayo Alaba, Anglian Water told the meeting that there is no such thing as a flushable wet wipe and the company had to deal with 9,500 packs of wet wipes every day.

Mr Burton-Sampson kicked off proceedings at Leigh Sailing Club, explaining how he had called for a further update on wet wipes from the Water Minister, Emma Hardy, after her reply to his correspondence agreeing wet wipes were a concern.

Grant Tufts from Anglian Water updated the 30 invitees on storm flow maintenance and Anglian Water’s investment plans, which, at £104 million, are larger in Southend than in any other place in their area. He told the meeting that these summits are unique and do not take place anywhere else.

Mr Burton-Sampson said: “It was great to see the level of engagement at today’s meeting.

“I want to thank everyone for coming and for Anglian Water answering questions about the progress on repairs to outfall pipe San Remo, whose beach location presents particular challenges.”

Mr Alaba quizzed Anglian Water over the Westcliff overflow and said: “This Water Quality Summit was a chance to press Anglian Water for answers to ongoing issues, including the damaged combined sewer overflow in Westcliff, as well as flooding on Thorpe Hall Avenue.

“It was also a chance for David and I to feedback on the work we are doing behind the scenes: be it meeting with Ministers or writing to the Chief Executive of Anglian Water.”

The meeting concluded with a discussion over future Water Summits, which will now be managed by WaterwatchUK led by Daniella Boon.

Mr Burton-Sampson said:” This is a transition to a community led group.

“We MPs are happy to support the new arrangements and we will work closely with everyone in the future to end the scourge of sewage in our estuary.”

Picture: Mr Burton-Sampson.

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