Around fifty people gathered on Yaverland Beach on Saturday morning for the Sea-Lovers Say No To Sewage event.
The group of hardy people included sea swimmers, surfers, people from political parties and children.
The purpose of the event was to draw attention to the campaign to end sewage pollution in our seas and rivers.
A call for cleaner water
Maria Villa Vine told News OnTheWight,
“After the damning report on water quality from ‘Surfers against Sewage’ highlighting the fact that Cowes and Gurnard beaches are the worst hit beaches for sewage discharges, people are disappointed and obviously wanting cleaner systems.”
Villa Vine: A political will for change needed
She went on to add,
“The change needs to come not only from water companies, but also local authorities and a political will for change.
“We need politicians who are coming from an environmental perspective and not solely for profit.
“That’s why I believe the Island’s MP should have supported the Duke of Wellington amendment, which even Southern Water backed.”
Get involved
If you weren’t able to attend the event but want to help make a difference, Maria has this advice,
“The public can keep the pressure on the water companies, visit the waste plant at Sandown and ask questions.
“The Government have pledged to tackle water pollution by 2022, raise your concerns and opinions to your MP, download the ‘Surfers against Sewage app called; Safer Seas and River Service for real time sewer discharge notification and also the Beachbuoy app from Southern Water, follow Surfers against Sewage and read up on all that they are doing.
“Keep the pressure going to #endsewagepollution.”
