A waste of a year

SURFERS Against Sewage staged a six-hour protest to press the States to stop 1.5 billion gallons of raw sewage entering the sea each year. Campaign director Richard Hardy also handed Public Services minister Bill Bell a letter calling on the States to reconvene immediately to decide on effluent treatment.

'Over 4,000 people in Guernsey have called on the States to provide the island with full sewage treatment to protect the natural environment, those who use the water for recreation and the island's tourism reputation,' he said.

On the first anniversary of the organisation's 60-hour vigil on the steps of Frossard House, which called for a full sewage treatment policy, Mr Hardy said too much time had already been wasted.

'SAS believes the States should now be in a position to make some key decisions before another 1.5 billion gallons of raw sewage and waste water are dumped off Guernsey's coastline.

'We are today expressing our disappointment that key timelines recorded in the Green Paper have not been met.

'We are keen to see a decision from the States on the issue, especially since the 1997 Liquid Waste Strategy Assessment originally recommended that sewage treatment should come into operation within five to 10 years,' said Mr Hardy.

Local representative Martin Brouard said it was about time Guernsey came into line with coastal locations in the UK.

'I think Guernsey deserves to have a clean waste solution, not just for locals but for tourism too.

'I think we should stand up for our rights to have clean water and full sewage treatment,' he said.

Deputy Bell said a report was being prepared and would go before the States this year.

'We went out to consult and listen to everyone's opinions and we have taken it all into consideration.'