Water Company to Haul Pensioner Before Court Over Bill
A pensioner from Whitstable is being taken to court by a water company for refusing to pay his bill in protest over sewage discharges made by Southern Water. Chris Stanley, an 82-year-old retired magistrate, will appear in court later this month for withholding part of his bill.
According to KentOnline, Mr Stanley’s dispute with Southern Water began after the company released over 200 sewage discharges in 2022, prompting concerns over effluent being pumped into the sea. In the previous year, issues impacting the water quality and safety concerns forced sales of Whitstable’s world-famous oysters to be suspended. Although the oysters were restored to the highest quality rating for the lowest levels of contamination last year, the issue of sewage discharges continues to be a point of contention.
Mr Stanley told KentOnline: "I don’t want this hassle, but I do believe this [pollution] is all wrong and someone has to make a stand." He has offered to pay half of his outstanding water bill and settle up further invoices at half their standard amount until "Southern Water reduce local sewage discharges to much lower levels".
The issue of sewage releases on the Kent coast by Southern Water has been a long-running saga. The firm pleaded guilty to 13 counts in April relating to untreated sewage spills in the county. Southern Water was fined a record £90 million in 2021 for deliberately dumping billions of litres of raw sewage into the sea. The company admitted 6,971 illegal spills from 17 sites in Kent, Hampshire, and West Sussex between 2010 and 2015.
A spokesperson for Southern Water said: "Last year we invested a record £965 million – part of £1.5 billion spent over and above Ofwat allowances over the past five years. This investment has been powered by £1.6 billion in new cash from our shareholders. But customer bills are vital to ensuring we can deliver improving performance and we are duty-bound to pursue unpaid bills – it’s only fair to customers who do contribute."
Tanya Sephton, customer services director at South East Water, which is responsible for billing customers on behalf of Southern Water, said: "At South East Water we don’t actually deal with sewage but do bill our mutual customers for Southern Water’s services on its behalf. While we appreciate the concerns Mr Stanley has regarding the portion of his bill that relates to Southern Water, it is essential that he, like all customers, continue to pay all of their bill."
Campaigners are expected to attend the court hearing on June 26 at Canterbury’s combined court to show their support for Mr Stanley. The case highlights the ongoing concerns over sewage discharges in the area and the impact it has on residents.
Mr Stanley’s personal circumstances have added to the complexity of the case. In October 2023, he suffered a medical emergency requiring advanced surgery at University College Hospital in London. His wife, 69, has incurable cancer. Both have been encouraged by their doctors to swim as it is "essential for the improvement and maintenance of health and independence". However, they fear the danger posed by sewage pollution and rarely risk swimming in the sea.
The case is set to raise further questions about the role of water companies in addressing sewage discharges and the impact on customers. As KentOnline continues to report on this story, it remains to be seen how the court will rule on the matter. One thing is certain, however: the people of Whitstable will continue to make their voices heard on this issue.
Southern Water’s sewage discharges have sparked widespread protests and concerns in the area. In 2021, rock star Bob Geldof backed the decision of some residents in Whitstable to make a stand by refusing to pay the wastewater portion of their bills, stating: "Don’t pay your water bills to Southern Water, they can **** off."
The company’s record on sewage discharges has been criticized by many, with KentOnline previously reporting on the issue. A group of campaigners, including SOS Whitstable, have been vocal in their opposition to Southern Water’s wastewater and sewage releases into the sea.
The court hearing on June 26 will be a significant test of the company’s policies and the public’s tolerance for sewage discharges. As the people of Whitstable and campaigners prepare to make their case, one thing is clear: this is a story that will continue to unfold in the coming weeks and months.
KentOnline will continue to provide updates on this story as more information becomes available.
