LA LINEA'S AUTHORITY WILL DIVERT SEWAGE DISHARGED TO SEA TO A TREATMENT PLANT

In a press release issued by Liberal MEP, Graham Watson, headed: VICTORY IN SIGHT FOR WESTERN BEACH CAMPAIGNERS - the MEP says he has welcomed the news that authorities in La Linea are planning infrastructure work that it is hoped will solve the problem of sewage on Gibraltar beach.

In February, Watson joined campaigners from Gibraltar's Environmental Safety Group (ESG) in a demonstration on the beach, and subsequently submitted a petition signed by almost 3000 people to the European Parliament and a written complaint to the European Commission.

A statement issued yesterday 22nd March by La Linea's local authority confirms in some detail how the issue of collapsed piping and new sewage collectors will be set up to divert waste, currently discharged to sea, to a treatment plant. The aim, the Authority claims, is to holistically address the sewage problem which affects the southern and central part of the town and from “coast” to “coast”.

Watson, who has been gearing up for a battle over the issue in the European Parliament, welcomed the news. He said:

"I'm delighted that the pressure we have exerted- through campaigning on the ground in Gibraltar to the petition and complaint to the European Union- appears to have paid off. I welcome this sensible move that is good for the environment, the people of Gibraltar and visitors to the Rock.

"However, we must remain vigilant. The infrastructure work described in the statement by La Linea should proceed without delay and produce tangible results. We will need to monitor pollution levels on the beach to ensure the bathing water returns to the high standard it was before this problem.

"Nonetheless, this is a good day for Gibraltar and thanks should go to the ESG and users of Western Beach who have worked so hard to protect the environment."