Worthing "Splashmob" protest to take place outside Southern Water head offices following sea pollution

Sewage was released once again following last night's heavy rainfall despite the company promising campaigners improvements last year

A "Splashmob" protest is set to take place outside Worthing's Southern Water head offices on Thursday after the company failed to implement the improvements it promised campaigners last year.

The demonstration will run between 12 and 2pm on the 3rd or November, having been called by the South East Unite Community after they stressed that "the [sewage] situation has got even worse" despite their demonstration in the same month last year. Heather Robbins, who swims in Bognor Regis and organised the Aldwick protest earlier this year, shares how the constant dumping of sewage has threatened her love of sea-swimming.

Heather tells V2 Radio: "I started sea-swimming in lockdown and absolutely love it - it's so wonderful to have a free, open, natural space for exercise and fun right where we live, and it's been proven to be so useful to improving mental health. 

"But Southern Water dumps untreated sewage onto the coast almost every time it rains, making it too dangerous to swim.

"We are powerless: we cannot change water provider, they have a monopoly.

"Everyone knows that Southern Water needs to seriously invest in its sewage treatment infrastructure, but our water bills continue to be spent on shareholder dividends and CEO bonuses and fines for illegal sewage dumping.

"Nothing changes. We need the government to force them to make proper investment because they will always choose profit over change.

Local MP Nick Gibb attributed the sewage issues to "Victorian infrastructure".

Bognor Bluetits are a local swimming group who have also had their sessions affected by waste release into local waters.

Group member Clare Franklin describes the frustration that this causes for the group: "Our members are sick of having to choose between risking their physical well-being by swimming in contaminated water, or their mental well-being by keeping out.

 "We are fed up with excuses and demand that something be done to stop this incredibly damaging practice."

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