BRIGHTON GROUP NEWSLETTER
Issue 10May 1998 |
Paddle Round the Pier! |
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Sunday 7th June 98 |
For once, the Portobello saga is knocked off its perch at the top of our newsletter. Yes, rejoice, it's almost World Oceans' Day and its time to Paddle round the Pier, except this time it's both piers (for the ultrafit amongst you). It is our biggest in-yer-face celebration of all things aqua and a fantabulous way of raising dosh for SAS and the RNLI. This time, not only do we have unprecedented support from many sponsors, but we also have entertainment lined up. The 1998 sponsored Paddle Round the Pier (incorporating a Pier to Pier race) is attracting mega involvement and sponsorship, thanks to the efforts of Dave Sandals. He has secured a first prize of two flights to the Canaries from Brighton club and bar moguls Webb Kirby (thanks, dudes). There are also 9 surfshops involved - entering teams and putting up prizes including surfboards, snowboards and top notch surf / skate / snowboarding clothing. It's going to bigger and better than ever and be raising funds for SAS and the RNLI (who will be on hand to pull any stragglers out of the s***, sorry, briny). It all happens on Sunday 7th June, the day before World Ocean's Day. Last year about 80 paddlers took part. This year we are hoping for a lot more plus at least one wetsuited dog. Dave Sandals is the hero as usual - his tireless enthusiasm and energy is a lesson for us all. The brilliant poster and flyer has been designed by Richard (who does the newsletter as well). Your sponsor form is enclosed with this newsletter - use it! For more details get in touch with Dave on 820470 and get training! |
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Portobello Campaign latest up-to-date news |
As the March newsletter went to print, Andrew attended a meeting in London with Chris Hines and the outgoing (now gone) Chief Executive of Southern Water and his replacement, the new Chairman and their technical director. All but the last one of these gents have been appointed by Southern Water's owners Scottish Power. It was an interesting couple of hours with a healthy exchange of views. They hinted that if SAS reduced public pressure for UV and allowed them to get their planning consent, they were prepared to talk about UV. Our response was that if they wanted to get a move on, all they had to do was commit to UV now and we would n't let the pressure off! They confirmed that they are willing to put in secondary treatment all around the coast, if they get the funding, and were willing to talk about the possibility of UV, although they are concerned that if they give it to Brighton, every other community on their coast will want it as well which will have significant impact on spending and were unsure whether OFWAT would allow it. LET"S BE REALISTIC SAS are realistic - despite the fact Southern Water have made record profits every year since privatisation (nearly GBP200m last year) we realise that they could n't put UV in everywhere at once and are willing to talk to them about phasing it in around the coast (starting in Brighton) up to the year 2005. This is the approach SAS took with Welsh and Wessex Water. Our overall impression is that they may be seriously thinking of UV, but are hamstrung by the dinosaurs who used to run (and some who still work for) Southern Water who wasted our money building long sea outfalls, whilst other water companies were investing in UV and microfiltration. Des Turner (MP for the Portobello) raised the issue in the House of Commons on March 31st and slammed into Southern Water's sewage treatment practice. The government's response was to say they are still considering the calls for them to step in and call a public inquiry. Along with the 2 other local Labour MPs and Lord Bassam (Leader of the Council) they visited Michael Meacher on 20th April to ask him to step in. Meanwhile, Lewes DC Environmental Health Committee have decided they want tertiary treatment (UV). The Council was also consulted on the planning application and the Planning Committee decided to tell East Sussex County Council (which will decide the planning application) to chuck it out (despite their officers recommending that it was approved). Well done Lewes! CAST-ing off The County Council considered the planning application on May 20th. SAS wrote to all the councillors making the decision and took a big part on the demo on May 16th at the Portobello. We have joined with numerous residents' and other groups in Saltdean, Telscombe Cliffs and Peacehaven to campaign under the name "Campaign Against Sewage at Telscombe" (or CAST for short). We've put forward an alternative plan - that a state of the art sewage treatment plant should be built at Newhaven. We've had excellent coverage in the local press and thanks are due to all those who turned up at the demo. Stop Press: The County Council postponed their decision on the planning application, asking Southern Water to look closely at other sites. Watch this space. Hold your breath and hope for a UV announcement soon! |
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