By Isle of Wight Observer
Freshwater Parish Council has unanimously voted no confidence in Southern Water, following continuing concern about sewage discharges, storm overflows, beach warnings, flooding issues, infrastructure failures, and lack of clear communication affecting Freshwater and the wider West Wight.
The vote was taken at Tuesday’s full council meeting, and reflects the strength of feeling from residents who have repeatedly raised concerns about the impact of Southern Water’s performance on local beaches, public health, protected habitats, and the River Yar, tourism, local businesses, and community trust.
The parish council is calling for Southern Water to provide a clear, public, and site-specific improvement plan for Freshwater and the West Wight, including timescales, funding commitments, capacity upgrades, maintenance actions, storm overflow reduction plans, and transparent reporting to residents.
The Council is also asking Southern Water, Ofwat, the Environment Agency, DEFRA, Isle of Wight Council, and the local Member of Parliament to work together to identify urgent action to protect residents, bathing waters, protected habitats, tourism, public health, and local confidence.
Cllr Becca Cameron, ward councillor for Freshwater South, said: “Freshwater Parish Council’s unanimous vote sends a very clear message: our community has lost confidence in Southern Water.
“In a parish so aptly named Freshwater, residents should not have to keep worrying about sewage alerts, beach warnings, flooding concerns, and unclear upgrade timescales affecting the West Wight.
“I am bringing a motion of no confidence to the full Isle of Wight Council next week, because this is no longer just a technical wastewater issue. It is about public health, our environment, tourism, local businesses, and basic public trust.”
