Local MP, Steve Brine, met up with Southern Water officials as he took a close look at the Morestead Lane Wastewater Treatment Works near Winchester.
The Member of Parliament for Winchester & Chandler's Ford had the chance to be briefed on a number of issues, including how waste is handled locally, how Southern Water plan to comply with the recently passed Environment Act in regards to storm overflows and the company’s Water for Life – Hampshire strategic water resources programme.
Mr Brine heard first-hand how sewage is treated and what storm overflows really mean, describing his visit as “fascinating and really revealing”.
After the trip, Steve said; “I really appreciate the time the team took to give me an in depth look around this important local facility. We of course talked a lot about one of the big topics of recent months which is how storm overflows can push sewage into our waterways. It was really important we took action in the recent legislation.
"A lot of fake news has been spread on the subject which, while I can understand why some might want to do for narrow political gain, serves no-one's interest at the end of the day. It was good therefore to understand how Southern Water will now implement a series of 'pathfinder' schemes to tackle the problem and I plan to visit one, near Andover, in the near future."
Toby Willison, Southern Water’s Chief Environment and Sustainability Officer, said: “It was great to talk Steve through our industry-leading plans to reduce CSO releases and our Water for Life – Hampshire programme which will maintain water supplies for customers while protecting the Test and Itchen rivers.”
Pictured; Steve at the Morestead Road site with Southern Water team member
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