James MacCleary meets Southern Water chief executive

Lewes MP James MacCleary recently met with the Chief Executive of Southern Water Lawrence Gosden to demand urgent action on key issues affecting local residents and the environment.

At the meeting, James raised serious concerns about Southern Water’s performance and pressed for immediate improvements. He called for urgent support for residents struggling to pay their water bills, fast action to reduce sewage spills in the Ouse and Cuckmere, support for Blue Flag status for Seaford Beach, and the securing of official bathing water status for the Cuckmere River.

James has been requesting this meeting since he was elected in July 2024.

James said: “It’s simply unacceptable that Southern Water continues to pollute our precious rivers and seas while local people struggle with rising bills. I made it clear to the Chief Executive that the people of Lewes, Seaford, and the surrounding areas deserve better.

“We need urgent investment to stop these sewage spills and protect our natural environment. Seaford Beach deserves Blue Flag status, and the Cuckmere should be recognised as an official bathing site — we must fight for these designations to safeguard water quality and public health. They are iconic and vital parts of our landscape and should be treated like the natural treasures that they are.

“I will keep pushing until we see real action from Southern Water. Sussex residents deserve affordable and clean water, protected wildlife habitats, and fair treatment when it comes to their bills. This is just the start of holding Southern Water to account.”