Southern Water’s Chief Executive, Mr Lawrence Gosden, will be visiting County Hall this week (11th June 2026) to hear councillors’ grave concerns regarding sewage in our seas and waterways.
Months of pressure
The visit was secured after work by Lib Dem councillor, Michael Lilley, who has pushed since February for Mr Gosden to visit the Isle of Wight in person and talk directly to councillors and officers. The meeting was delayed due to the elections, but now a date has been set, and all councillors will have an opportunity to ask questions.
Councillor Michael Lilley said,
“In 2024, Isle of Wight Council unanimously supported a Lib Dem motion calling for reductions in sewage discharge.
“I welcome and thank Lawrence for his decision to meet councillors on 11th June 2026.”
Ryde warning and Bembridge dispute provide backdrop
The visit comes just days after an Environment Agency warning not to enter waters in Ryde due to a pollution incident, and the controversial and fiercely contested works by Southern Water on a Combined Sewer Overflow in Bembridge.
Bembridge councillor demands urgent investment
Bembridge Councillor Mark Rochell says,
“Sadly, despite a wave of public anger and objection the works on the CSO look likely to go ahead.
“If so, I’ll be pressing Mr Gosden to ensure that Southern Water urgently bring forward planned investments to reduce overflows from these pipes.
“The Island and its precious coastal waters cannot wait four to five years for work to begin.”
West Wight adds to chorus of condemnation
These spills and incidents are an Island-wide problem with a major pollution incident also seen in Totland in recent days.
Lib Dem West Wight lead Councillor Nick Stuart says,
No sea is safe from the failure of Southern Water to handle the basic task of sewage control and it’s time for the Government to take stronger action to force water companies to clean up their act.”
Calls for public meetings to follow
Following the meeting with councillors the Lib Dem group will be pressing for Mr Gosden to attend public meetings in East and West Wight so that Islanders can question him directly.
News shared by Mark on behalf of Isle of Wight Liberal Democrats. Ed
