Residents Demand Answers On Water Quality At Packed Public Meeting

Residents from across Bognor Regis, Littlehampton and surrounding areas have voiced strong concerns over water quality at a packed public meeting with Southern Water.

The event was organised and hosted by local MP Alison Griffiths and quickly reached full capacity, highlighting the level of concern in the community.

Southern Water Chief Executive Lawrence Gosden attended, alongside senior representatives from Southern Water and the Environment Agency, to hear directly from residents.

A number of key issues were raised during the meeting, including poor bathing water ratings at Bognor Regis (Aldwick) and recent downgrades at Bognor Regis East.

Residents also questioned the causes of pollution, pointing to sewage discharges, storm overflows and misconnections, as well as the level of investment needed to improve water quality.

There were also calls for greater transparency, improved monitoring and clearer communication from water companies and regulators.

Discussions focused on ambitions to ensure all local bathing waters reach a good or excellent standard, and what action is needed to achieve that.

Speaking after the meeting, Alison Griffiths said:

“Our coastline is a defining part of life in Bognor Regis and Littlehampton, and residents deserve to have confidence in the safety and quality of our water.

“I was clear that it was important for Southern Water’s Chief Executive and senior leaders to hear directly from residents.

"The strength of feeling in the room reflected just how seriously our community takes this issue.

“Residents have had enough of sewage polluting our rivers and seas. After years of systemic failings, we all want to see action. Southern Water heard this loud and clear.

“I welcome Lawrence’s engagement and am grateful that he has committed to meeting again with residents in six months' time.

"Clear and measurable progress matters, and Southern Water will only earn back our trust through delivery.

“I will continue to relentlessly push Southern Water, as well as the Government and the Environment Agency, to accelerate their plans to improve the water quality across Bognor Regis and Littlehampton.”

The meeting forms part of ongoing efforts by the MP to hold water companies to account and push for improvements, including raising concerns in Parliament.

She added:

“Residents are not asking for the impossible. They want clear information, proper investment, and confidence that past failings will not be repeated.

"That is a reasonable expectation, and I will continue to press for it.”

Further updates are expected as follow-up actions are taken and responses from Southern Water are reviewed.