ANGRY: Ann Buckley
WALKER Ann Buckley has spoken of her disgust after finding a trail of pollution along the coast at Hayling.
Mrs Buckley, who is a county councillor for Leigh Park and Bedhampton, noticed unsightly items close to the oysterbeds as she walked the Hayling Billy Trail.
She noticed a large number of tampon applicators and cotton buds.
Mrs Buckley, who lives in Oaklands Road, Havant, has pointed the finger of blame at Southern Water’s pumping station at Eastney, which, as reported, has released unscreened sewage into Langstone Harbour during periods of heavy rainfall on four occasions since December.
She said: ‘When you think we have visitors coming down, including children – this is what they are going to find and pick up. It’s really unacceptable.’
But a spokesman for Southern Water said: ‘It is not clear where these items on the beach have come from as man-made items often find their way on to beaches from boats.
‘Due to the dry weather, there have not been any releases from Fort Cumberland for two months. Water is only released during periods of heavy rainfall to help protect homes and businesses from flooding. Items such as condoms, sanitary towels, nappies and wipes should be out in the bin as they can block sewer pipes.’
A £10m scheme to improve the filtering screens at Fort Cumberland is due to be completed by the end of 2013.
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