It is a cruel twist that as soon as a drought is announced it starts to rain.
But although the weather seems to have finally broken with lower temperatures and some rainfall, this is a serious issue after the driest July in 50 years.
The rain has not brought the relief you might expect either, baked earth conditions has meant flash flooding and overwhelmed waste water treatment works. The government-sponsored, county council’s Blue Heart project on water catchment in Eastbourne couldn’t be more important.
The Government will publish its Storm Overflows Discharge Reduction Plan at the beginning of next month. It is expected to push all water companies to go further and faster to fix overflows.
I will be joining the Environment Agency on the 22nd August when they undertake bathing water quality sampling. I will also be taking a group of local swimmers to visit the local treatment works to hear directly of Southern Water’s improvement plans.
The drought designation still stands as reservoirs have in no way been replenished with the downpour this week. Water supplies are not at risk however.
Water companies have pre-agreed drought plans to manage water resources, like hosepipe bans and these are being implemented. I hope it will not be long before the children’s splash pad in Princes Park is back in action.
For many young people in our town the wait is now over; A-Level, T-level and some vocational results came out this week. As a former teacher and Director of Studies this was the busiest day of my year, like Black Friday is for retailers.
I’ve been delighted to hear from students and see some stellar results published by our schools and colleges. Huge congratulations to all those who have received the results they wanted.
The day always brings a mixed picture however and for some, they will be reimagining their immediate plans at this point. To them I say, take heart. Seek out the support and advice that is there for you. New doors will open.
And to all our young people looking at their future today, can I say there is a world of opportunity out there and we need you!
