Campaigners demand environmental protection from sewage dumps in Christchurch harbour

  • ITV Meridian's Richard Slee reports

Environmental campaigners who describe Christchurch Harbour as the 'toilet bowl' of Bournemouth are demanding more protection for the area.

Testing over the past two years shows a high level of pollution and now a petition, to get the same protected status as Poole Harbour, has gained more than 1,000 signatures.

Unlike other enclosed harbours in the South such as Poole, Portsmouth and Chichester, Christchurch has not one, but two large rivers draining into it - the Stour and the Avon.

Water flowing into Christchurch Harbour is sometimes heavily polluted by raw sewage from Wessex Water works on the River Stour Credit: Google Maps

Last year there were more than four hundred releases of raw sewage affecting Christchurch mainly from the four Wessex Water treatment works upstream from Christchurch.

Charles Watson from River Action said: "It is not an exaggeration to state that Christchurch Harbour has become the toilet bowl of Bournemouth because coming down the River Stour enormous volumes of untreated sewage are being spilt and dumped by wastewater treatment plants."

A petition, started by the Christchurch Harbour and Marine Society calling for BCP Council to grant Christchurch Harbour the same environmental protection afforded Poole Harbour has gained more than 1300 signatures.

Once it gets to 2,000 it will be debated by councillors.

Testing at Christchurch Harbour over the past two years shows a high level of pollution Credit: ITV News Meridian

Campaigners say the reasons for the increase in pollution are population growth, more storms and in particular a lack of investment by water companies nationwide, which since privatisation have paid £80 million to shareholders.

In a statement, Wessex Water told ITV News Meridian: "Storm overflows operate to protect properties from flooding and discharge mostly rainwater or groundwater, but we agree they are outdated and we’re spending £3 million every month on schemes to reduce how often this happens in our region.

"This investment will more than double from next year, if approved by Ofwat."

Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know...