A meeting between Southern Water and Isle of Wight councillors tomorrow (Thursday 11th June 2026) will not be open to the public or press, those organising the meeting has confirmed.
The ‘informal discussion’ at County Hall is designed to build ‘awareness and understanding’ of the company’s strategic planning and direction, a spokesperson for the local authority said this afternoon.
They said it will also help inform future dialogue on matters of local interest.
Why the meeting is being kept private
County Hall has said that due to the meeting not being formal or a decision-making forum, it is therefore not being conducted in public.
What prompted the CEO’s visit to the Island
The visit to the Island by Southern Water CEO Lawrence Gosden comes after a request from the Liberal Democrats in February, delayed due to the 7th May 2026 elections.
Sewage concerns and bathing warnings in the background
It follows several bathing warnings issued by the Environment Agency for different parts of the Island, including in the West Wight.
There is also concern over the ‘planned recommissioning’ of a Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) pipeline at Bembridge Point.
Liberal Democrat councillor Michael Lilley, who helped organise the visit, said Mr Gosden’s meeting is welcome news.
Calls for public meetings in East and West Wight
It is hoped the CEO will also agree to be at public meetings in East and West Wight in the future.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
