PUBLIC INVITED TO HAVE THEIR SAY ON BEACH CONTAMINATION

Thanet District Council is inviting members of the public and local business community to discuss the effects of the Foreness Point sewage spillages in June.
The request comes from the Thanet Beaches Contamination Review Task and Finish Group – a working group set up by the council’s watchdog body, the Overview and Scrutiny Panel.
This working group has a mandate to review the events surrounding the sewage spillages, and once all evidence has been gathered, provide recommendations to the Overview and Scrutiny Panel. Southern Water and the Environment Agency both continue to work closely with the council and will also attend meetings with the group.
The group wishes to have input from local people – including business owners – who were affected by the contamination. With this in mind, a meeting will be held on Thursday 11 October in the Council Chamber, main council offices, which will give local people a chance to have their say.
Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel, Cllr Ian Driver said: “The sewage spills that affected Thanet’s beaches in June impacted on many local people and businesses. Since then, the council has continued to work closely with representatives of Southern Water and the Environment Agency.
“But we also want to ensure that those who live in Thanet – or have businesses that were affected by the contamination – have a chance to contribute to the debate. Their input is important and will help to shape our recommendations.”
Anyone interested in attending the public meeting of the Thanet Beaches Contamination Review Task and Finish Group on 11 October 2012 must first register to have their say.
They can do this by calling the council’s Senior Democratic Services officer, Charles Hungwe on 01843 577 186 or email charles.hungwe@thanet.gov.uk