By Rufus Pickles - Local Democracy Reporter
Southern Water is “going ahead with what they’re going ahead with” and it “doesn’t matter what we say”, an Isle of Wight councillor has warned, in an update on the company’s controversial Water Recycling Project.
Reform councillor, Frank Baldry, told Sandown Town Council on Monday that Southern Water intended to press ahead with its proposed facility on land south of Sandown Wastewater Treatment Works, despite what he described as “three years of disruption” and strong objections from residents and landowners.
The company has applied for planning permission for the scheme, which includes a new outfall into the Eastern Yar and a pipeline running to the river near Alverstone. The Isle of Wight Council has yet to make a decision. Southern Water says the project would produce up to 8 1/2 million litres of water a day, reducing the Island’s reliance on the mainland, where a third of its supply currently comes from the rare River Test chalk stream.
Cllr Baldry also referred to a recent behind‑closed‑doors meeting at County Hall, which he said involved “very heated discussions” with Southern Water chief executive, Lawrence Gosden. He told councillors the company had acknowledged the Island’s ageing sewer network, describing it as the second oldest in the UK, and said this contributed to frequent breaks and leaks.
He added that Southern Water had been “nearly bankrupt” two or three years ago but was now “back on track”.
After the meeting, Cllr Baldry said he spoke with Mr Gosden and a Southern Water communications officer, who lives on the Island, and is “very aware” of local concerns. Despite this, he said, the company intended to proceed because “it’s needed”, adding that “all in all, they’re going ahead with what they’re going ahead with”.
Southern Water said its planning application followed a public consultation held last year.
Carole Dennett