By Rufus Pickles - Local Democracy Reporter
“They don’t bother with us – all they see is money,” a flood-hit Islander has claimed about Southern Water at an Isle of Wight public meeting.
Perry Clifton, resident of Riverview Court in Sandown, spoke out at Sandown Town Council’s planning committee this week. Criticising the Sandown Water Recycling Project, currently awaiting an Isle of Wight Council decision, he claimed there is a “total lack of consultation” and consideration for local businesses and the environment.
“We got flooded out in February at cost to us, the council taxpayers… Southern Water have not come back to us. You never have a response back,” Mr Clifton said. He added he was
“hugely worried” about the recycling project, adding: “If they do these works, I will be looking for them to rehouse me because I have no confidence whatsoever in their project design.”
He also complained of noise pollution at 1am from ongoing site renovations. Southern Water said it is investigating the noise complaints.
Ben Ring, major projects director, described the scheme as an “essential project” to create drought-proof water sources and protect local rivers.
Isle of Wight Observer