The Southend West MP has called for the Chief Executive of Anglian Water, Peter Simpson, to visit Chalkwell Beach on the 31st of March to test the impact of their sewage overflows on water quality.
Following numerous requests for the East of England water company to take greater environmental responsibility in Southend, Anna called out Anglian Water for failing to act during an Urgent Question on the 21st of February 2022, saying;
“The chief executive of Anglian Water earned £1.3 million last year, including a bonus of £337,651. I have asked him repeatedly for meetings but have still not got a date.”
Later responding to the increased pressure from the Southend MP who campaigns tirelessly for big water companies to clean up their act, Mr. Simpson met with Anna in Westminster to respond to her repeated requests for action.
Settling on the 31st of March, Anna is expecting the Chief Executive to visit the Chalkwell Beach storm overflow alongside the Environment Agency, Ofwat, Southend Against Sewage and other key local players to hold Anglian Water to account on their responsibility to keep Southend beaches clean.
During the meeting, Anglian Water will be expected to explain their plans to improve the situation, and the bathing water will be tested for its quality and safety ahead of the summer season.
Anna said,
“Despite unfounded accusations that I have not been taking action against unacceptable sewage discharges, I have been calling for further action on linking executive pay of big water bosses to environmental performance.”
“In addition to this, I am delighted – following an unacceptable wait – to have finally got a date for Anglian Water to visit Southend and hold them to account on the unacceptable and repeated use of storm overflows. Residents deserve better!”
