Latest news with #BeccyCooper
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
'Deep concern' over water pollution at bathing site
An MP has urged water bosses to take action over pollution. Beccy Cooper, MP for Worthing West, is seeking an 'urgent meeting' with Southern Water due to 'continuing failures' regarding water contamination. Worthing Beach House, a bathing water site located near Splashpoint Leisure Centre, was designated poor by the Environment Agency last year, meaning swimming is not advised. Ms Cooper has described the water quality as "extremely poor' and said she has 'deep concerns'. Her statement said: 'I know that Worthing Borough Council have worked hard to achieve bathing water status by recruiting volunteer 'citizen scientists' to monitor pollution levels at this and other sites, only to find that the water off Beach House in particular is of such a poor quality that the public are advised not to swim in it. Worthing West MP Beccy Cooper (Image: Supplied) 'I am very alarmed that repeated pollution incidents will continue to impact public health and our coastal environment as we move into the busy bathing season and would like to seek reassurance that Southern Water is doing everything in its power to prevent this – as has clearly not been the case up to now. 'On behalf of my constituents therefore, can you please inform me of the causes of this recent decline in water quality and give me details of immediate and long-term measures being taken to prevent further pollution events. 'I would also like to see detailed information on your work with the council and Environment Agency to monitor and respond to water quality issues. READ MORE: Lake identified as a potential source of contamination at beach 'Furthermore, I would like to see improved transparency on this from Southern Water, with more open and regular communication with the public, especially during the summer season. 'Finally, I would like to request a formal written response on the issue and to suggest that as a matter of urgency we meet to discuss this and other matters further.' A spokesman for Southern Water said: 'We're pleased that Dr Cooper shares our concern for bathing water quality and we have been in contact to arrange a meeting to discuss how bathing water quality can be improved. 'There are many causes of contamination in bathing water – agricultural and road runoff, wildlife and human behaviour on the beach to name a few. 'On the official government website, it has been noted by the Environment Agency that at Worthing Beach House the likely main source of contamination is 'urban diffuse pollution entering through the surface water system'. 'This means the work of our misconnections team, which tracks down loos and washing machines wrongly connected to surface water drains instead of our sewer system, is vital to continue to improve bathing water quality. 'We are also investing in sewer investigations and rehabilitation where needed.'
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Pride organisers continue to appeal for support to save parade
A pride event is continuing to ask for support as its parade is at risk of being cancelled. Worthing Pride announced last week that its parade was at 'serious risk of being cancelled' due to a lack of sponsorship. Organisers of the event said more than 35 businesses and 500 people were involved in the parade last year and as of April 25, only six businesses had applied. Posts on the event's social media page previously called for support from Worthing West MP Beccy Cooper and Worthing Business Improvement District (Bid). Pride director Gary Richardson said people are now beginning to engage although donations to the Go Fund Me as well as event sponsorship packages are still needed. Participants in the Worthing Pride parade last year (Image: Sussex News and Pictures) The main event will go ahead and is being held on July 4 and 5 in Steyne Gardens. Tickets can be purchased on the Worthing Pride website. Mr Richardson also asked that 'members of the business community that benefit from the increased footfall to the town over pride weekend' make a 'donation of profits' to the event's Go Fund Me. He added that a percentage of ticket sales from 'pride events' could be donated towards funds. Headliners for the festival include Jo O'Meara from S Club and Natasha Hamilton from Atomic Kitten fame. Drag performers include Elektra Fence from RuPaul's Drag Race UK. Ms Cooper said: 'Pride is an extremely important event for our town and one which I have always enjoyed taking part in. MPs Beccy Cooper and Tom Rutland taking part in the parade last year (Image: Sussex News and Pictures) 'I very much hope it will return this year and am open to any contact from the organisation to find a way in which to show my support'. READ MORE: Travel advice for pride weekend issued as more trains planned A spokeswoman for Worthing Bid said: 'We have been approached by local pride organisers regarding support for their event. 'As with all partnership requests, we assess these on a case-by-case basis in line with our diversity and inclusion policy and organisation objectives. 'While recent communication has been challenging, we remain open to constructive dialogue and have invited the organisers to meet with us, as yet, this has not been accepted. 'That invitation still stands.'
