Worthing Councillors Fight Back After Bathing Water Snub
Worthing councillors have slammed Defra after their bid to get a second stretch of local coast officially designated as bathing water was knocked back. The rejected application targeted the shoreline opposite Beach House Grounds, where regular bacterial checks by the Environment Agency would have helped track pollution sources.
Frustration Rises Over Defra’s Decision
Cllr Vicki Wells, Worthing’s Cabinet Member for the Environment, voiced her anger at Defra’s refusal. She vowed to push harder for tougher water testing. “We want to make sure everyone, locals and visitors alike, can enjoy the sea safely,” she said.
The council is still awaiting a clear explanation from Defra on why the application was turned down.
Next Steps: More Bathing Water Applications in the Pipeline
Undeterred, Worthing plans to continue data collection for a third bathing water application for the beach opposite Sea Lane in Goring. Cllr Wells praised the volunteers and council staff who helped with the initial effort and called on local residents to step up as “citizen scientists” to gather vital data.
“We are committed to making Southern Water do more to spot sewer misconnections and stop illegal sea discharges,” Wells added.
South East Councils Unite to Challenge Southern Water
More than 40 councils from across the South East met last month to devise stronger tactics against Southern Water’s failures. Worthing Borough Council remains determined to hold the water company accountable and keep the coastline safe for everyone.
