Tom Hayes MP is seeking action over unsafe levels of bacteria in the River Stour and Christchurch Harbour. Tom Hayes MP is seeking action over unsafe levels of bacteria in the River Stour and Christchurch Harbour. He says local people, community groups and citizen scientists should not have to discover potentially dangerous levels of E. coli before authorities, adding that people need to know “at the time, not after the event”. Mr Hayes is in contact with the Water Minister in Andy Burnham’s Government and is due to meet the Environment Secretary, while also writing to the Prime Minister to p
Tom Hayes MP is seeking action over unsafe levels of bacteria in the River Stour and Christchurch Harbour.
He says local people, community groups and citizen scientists should not have to discover potentially dangerous levels of E. coli before authorities, adding that people need to know “at the time, not after the event”.
Mr Hayes is in contact with the Water Minister in Andy Burnham’s Government and is due to meet the Environment Secretary, while also writing to the Prime Minister to press for action in 3 areas.
He wants independent, systematic monitoring of heavily used recreational waters which are not designated, including Christchurch Harbour and the lower River Stour, with results published promptly and transparently so people can see when conditions may present a risk.
He is also calling for automatic warnings when sewage discharges happen or water quality may be unsafe, saying that finding out “12 hours later is not good enough” for recreational users.
Mr Hayes has also asked the Environment Agency to urgently investigate possible sources, including sewage infrastructure, private sewage systems, agricultural runoff and other potential causes, and publish what it finds.
A residents meeting took place at the Regent Centre this evening (Tuesday) to discuss the issue, with reports that hundreds of people were turned away due to the venue being full.
