The Sovereign Water Treatment Works at Langney Point, Eastbourne, continues to cause significant public concern due to frequent and pervasive unpleasant smells outdoors, negatively impacting residents' comfort in their homes and gardens. These recurring issues compromise environmental quality, public health, and social life within the community.

Southern Water has not yet implemented effective solutions to address these ongoing challenges. Recent reports indicate that the company has previously been fined for inadequate management of sewage systems, leading to pollution; however, the problems have yet to be resolved. This situation presents both an environmental issue and a direct effect on the daily lives and well-being of Eastbourne residents.

We propose that freezing water bills for Southern Water customers in Eastbourne would incentivise the company to prioritise and address these leakage issues urgently. Applying financial pressure may encourage decisive action to rectify the underlying causes of the sewage odours.

We recommend implementing immediate measures to investigate and resolve leakage problems, establish transparent repair timelines, and improve wastewater management practices. Prompt attention from Southern Water is required to ensure a clean and healthy environment for Eastbourne. We invite your support for our request to freeze water bills until all necessary repairs are completed, safeguarding residents’ right to clean air and a healthy community.

Please sign this petition to urge Southern Water to take prompt and effective action on these critical issues.

• Share the petition on social media with people who live, work, or spend time in Eastbourne. Avoid seeking thousands of random signatures, which may affect the petition's credibility. Thank you.

1st April 2025 - Letter to Southern Water: Odour problems

Microsoft Word - Josh Babarinde MP letterhead (2).pdf

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15 July 2025– Odour Issues at Langney Point: Southern Water has sent residents a flyer explaining the recent strong odours and their planned solutions. SWaterOdourLeaflet.pdf

August 2024 - Letter to Josh Babarinde MP in reply to his concerns about Southern Water following his election.  SouthernWaterMP190924.pdf

16/7/2025

Dear Resident,

We have recently received a number of complaints regarding unpleasant odours in various parts of Eastbourne especially around Sovereign Harbour. We understand these odour levels are quite intense and can occur at any time during the day and night.

We have identified one of the sites responsible for this to be the Southern Water wastewater treatment plant based in Eastbourne. We have had meetings with managers at Southern Water expressing our concerns over the strong and seemingly persistent  odour problem.  We have informed them the current odour control processes need updating in order to reduce the level of impact on local residents. Our aim is to ensure that Southern Water implements appropriate and lasting improvements  to keep odour to acceptable levels, such that it does not cause a public nuisance.

We will continue to investigate all complaints and will keep residents updated on the progress of this matter.

Kind Regards,

Samantha Chaplin

Advisor (Regulatory Services)

Lewes District Council and Eastbourne Borough Council

Samantha.Chaplin@lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk

T: 01323 415150

Eastbourne Borough Plan 2001-2011 (Adopted September 2003)
Ch.13: Utilities and Services Chapter 13.doc

Water companies and sewage pollution: Repairing damage using revenue from fines

Published Monday, 03 February, 2025 

Water companies and sewage pollution: Repairing damage using revenue from fines - House of Lords Library

Sewage discharges

Research Briefing

Published Tuesday, 15 April, 2025

Sewage discharges - House of Commons Library

Eastbourne residents invited to have their say on sewage odour

By Megan Baker Reporter Published 8th Aug 2025

‘Freeze Southern Water’s Bills in Eastbourne’ – anger at smells from its treatment plant servicing at Langney Point (2

Peter Lindsey Reporter, Published 21 July 2025

'Foul' sewage smell plagues Eastbourne residents - 'a prisoner in my own home' (3

By Megan Baker 

Published 10th Jul 2025, Updated 11th Jul 2025 

Southern Water issues apology following complaints of 'unpleasant odours' in part of Eastbourne

By Sam Pole

Reporter Published 18th Jun 2025, Updated 20th Jun 2025 

Eastbourne residents demand action over ‘Unbearable’ sewage smell 

Eastbourne

ByPaul Gibson - Eastbourne Newspaper                          Published on June 13, 2025

Environment Secretary visits Eastbourne Treatment Works with town's MP, Caroline Ansell

Sussex Express, Friday, 1 September 2023 

Strong sewage smell '˜making people feel ill' in Sovereign Harbour. By The Newsroom, Published 31st Jul 2018, Updated 31st Aug 2018