Liberal Democrat councillors on the Isle of Wight have reached out to Southern Water’s chief executive, Lawrence Gosden. They express their concern over two interlinked crises affecting the community. The councillors—Michael Lilley, Sarah Redrup, Andrew Garratt, and Nick Stuart—request Mr. Gosden to visit the island to address urgent issues around sewage discharges and the impact of infrastructure projects.
Concerns Over Sewage Discharges
The councillors raise alarms about ongoing sewage discharges into coastal waters. Since early 2026, record rainfall has resulted in daily and hourly releases of sewage into local waterways, including the Solent and English Channel. They reference data from the Safer Seas and Rivers Service to highlight this issue, noting an incident in Ryde on February 19, 2026.
Impact on Local Businesses
Local businesses are facing significant challenges. Extended road closures and diversions have led to up to a 50% drop in foot traffic for some establishments. The councillors detail how these disruptions have caused diminished customer access and delivery delays, severely impacting revenue.
Economic Reliance on Small Businesses
- High dependence on hospitality and tourism.
- Local economy heavily reliant on foot traffic.
- Small businesses at risk of closure due to sustained losses.
Call for Engagement and Accountability
The councillors appreciate that Southern Water is investing in infrastructure improvements. However, they argue these updates are insufficient given the current issues faced by the community. They believe that a direct visit from Mr. Gosden is essential for comprehending the challenges at hand.
To ensure accountability, the councillors plan to propose a motion for an emergency meeting with Southern Water’s leadership. The agenda will address sewage discharges, ecosystem impacts, and rising water bills for island residents. They stress the importance of direct dialogue to avoid more formal motions.
A Shared Responsibility
The letter was also shared with Isle of Wight East MP Joe Robertson, Isle of Wight West MP Richard Quigley, council leader Phil Jordan, and Wendy Perera, chief executive of Isle of Wight Council. In closing, the councillors made a heartfelt appeal to Mr. Gosden. They urged him to visit and directly engage with the community to understand the pressing issues faced by the island.
