Wastewater charge 'should come with a promise'

CAMPAIGNERS have called for an assurance from Public Services that its proposed wastewater charge will lead to full sewage treatment.

But the department has been unable to go that far.

Its plan for householders to pay on average £150 a year towards sewage disposal, including £50 to help lay the groundwork for treatment, goes to the States at the end of the month.

UK-based campaign group Surfers Against Sewage has long called for the introduction of full treatment in Guernsey.

'Introducing a wastewater charge could help change Guernsey from being a "brown isle" to a "green isle" overnight just through upgrading the levels of sewage treatment,' said its campaigns manager, Andy Cummins.

'But to help instil confidence, SAS would like to see minister Bernard Flouquet make a public statement confirming that should wastewater charges be agreed then the island will have full sewage treatment.

'Without that, the wastewater charge remains a little unclear on its ultimate intentions.'