Pan Parish River Pollution Forum discuss concerns over sewage dumping

The Pan Parish River Pollution Forum gathered at Houghton Village Hall on Tuesday, April 9. 

The forum was formed earlier this year, following widespread concerns about sewage and other pollution and contamination of the River Test.

The parishes include: Houghton, Appleshaw, Barton Stacey, Chilbolton, King’s Somborne, Longstock, North Baddesley, Nursling & Rownhams, Shipton Bellinger, and Stockbridge.

At the meeting, the forum members reaffirmed their commitment to preventing all forms of pollution entering the rivers and waterways. While the primary focus is currently on sewage spills linked to Southern Water, the forum also has concerns about other contaminants, including nitrates as a result of agriculture and building development and the run-off from roads and paved areas.

READ MORE: MP and councillors challenge Southern Water about storm overflows in the Test

Cllr Geoff Cooper updated the forum on his recent meeting with Lawrence Gosden, CEO of Southern Water, announcing that the water body had offered to fund the Citizen Science testing programme. 

The programme was introduced by members of the forum due to concerns that the testing by the Environment Agency was inadequate. A number of volunteers have come forward to carry out the testing but funding from Southern Water will allow far more to be carried out. 

Cllr Cooper said: “Freeing our precious River Test from contamination is something that is close to my heart and, having heard the evidence from river keepers and those who understand the river, it was clear much more needed to be done. 

“Meeting face to face with Lawrence Gosden gave us both the opportunity to discuss a variety of water-related constituency issues and I was glad that, on behalf of Southern Water, he offered to fund the Citizen Testing programme which has been set up. We discussed a variety of challenges, and this is very much a work in progress.

SEE ALSO: Hundreds of residents protest against Southern Water's discharges into River Test

“The politicians in power have dragged their feet on the issue of sewage pollution. There are members of this forum who have been shouting about the state of our rivers, and raising concerns, for years.

“This is a positive step, but I am acutely aware that there is much more to be done.

“We all want to see the rivers run clear and clean again, that desire at least unites politicians across the political divide. Now is the time for firm action. I will be doing all I can to ensure that real action is taken on this vitally important matter.”