On 21 September 2002, full Council passed a motion to urge Southern Water (SW) and all associated companies to investigate, update equipment, cease sewage discharges, increase investment and provide compensation as a result of the discharge of untreated water into the sea at Galley Hill on 17 August 2022.

The coastline and beaches were major assets for Rother’s economy and collective positive action needed to be taken to ensure that they were protected and available for public use.  Public concern had been received and it was important that the poor quality of the bathing water in Bexhill was addressed by all relevant organisations, i.e. SW, the Council, the Environment Agency and East Sussex County Council (ESCC).

Members were advised that since the incident, the Leader of the Council and Chief Executive had attended a meeting with the local MP, SW, the Leader of ESCC and representatives from the Public Health Team to discuss the incident and seek a way forward to ensure that this did not reoccur.  The report identified the main points that arose which included that the incident was as a result of a fault at the Galley Hill Pumping Station; improved communication between all relevant organisations and public; review pollution modelling; improve bathing waters e.g. shared water sampling plan; business compensation; and reduce storm overflows.  It was noted that compensation advice had been received from SW.

Members were advised that advisory notices of water conditions were placed by the Environment Agency in two locations along the seafront; officers would consider if these could be publicised further.

Following discussion, Cabinet agreed that ongoing liaison between all relevant parties would be essential to stop or minimise further environmental impacts on the district and that Members would receive an update at a future meeting.  Members also recommended and agreed that the issue of compensation continued to be pursued with Southern Water.

RESOLVED: That:

1)   the Chief Executive and other relevant officers continue to engage with Southern Water and other relevant agencies;

2)   an update report be presented to a future meeting of Cabinet outlining the steps being taken to:

a.   prevent a similar discharge into the sea; and

b.   improve the overall quality of the bathing water at Bexhill beach; and

3)   the issue of compensation continue to be pursued with Southern Water.

(The Leader had accepted this item onto the Agenda as an Additional Agenda Item in order to support the Council’s recent motion to address the impact of the discharge of untreated water at Galley Hill in August 2022).