Celia against sewage!

Celia Barlow MP met with representatives from Surfers Against Sewage, the Environment Agency and Southern Water to discuss the challenges posed by Combined Sewage Overflow outlets.

These outlets act as an emergency exit for raw sewage and rainwater if a sewage pumping station or treatment works is over capacity. Without them, sewage could end up coming back up our toilets, but Celia and Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) are concerned that after heavy rainfall many people who wish to use the beach may do so without knowing if a CSO has been used.

SAS's Brighton rep Aaron Jennings and Campaign Director Andy Cummins called for the meeting following last summer's Panorama sewage exposé that starred SAS and featured raw sewage escaping from combined sewer overflows into our seas.

Celia said, 'It is important that all beach users know if a CSO has been used following a storm or very heavy rainfall. I want to make sure that they have the information that they need to allow them to make an informed decision before they get in the water, and I will be working with all parties to make sure that this is a reality.'