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This Open Letter to Isle of Wight Conservative MP, Bob Seely is from Cllr Jonathan Bacon, Cabinet member for Heritage and the Environment. Ed
As Isle of Wight Council Cabinet Member for the Environment and Chair of St Helens Parish Council I was shocked, amazed and perplexed to see that you recently voted against a provision in the Environment Bill designed to curb the release of raw sewage into our rivers and seas
In acting in this way, putting it simply, you have failed to serve the Isle of Wight.
Release of raw sewage onto seafront areas
In many areas of the Island, including the village of St Helens which I represent, there have been serious concerns raised throughout recent months about the release of raw sewage onto seafront areas.
The amendment to the Environment Bill which you voted against was specifically designed to address this issue and to provide protection for water and our environment. On an Island reliant on its beaches to support its tourist economy the potential importance of the amendment was even greater.
Against undertakings made in meeting
Your vote also runs wholly and totally against the undertakings you made in a meeting we recently both attended designed to call Southern Water to account for recent perceived failings in the management of our water infrastructure.
What were you thinking?
Please tell us, as I and many residents of the Isle of Wight would appreciate an explanation as to why you took this course of action.
And it better be good!
