WRITTEN QUESTIONS FROM COUNCILLORS

A period of not more than fifteen minutes shall be allowed at each ordinary meeting for questions submitted by Members.

The question will be answered without discussion. The person who asked the question may ask one relevant supplementary question, which shall be put and answered without discussion. The person to whom a question, or supplementary question, has been put may decline to answer it. 

(1) Public Space Protection Orders – Councillor Nemeth

When Public Space Protection Orders were last discussed at this committee, Members were informed that the Orders were due to expire and that no plan had been drawn up for their renewal. An update was expected by mid-2020 but nothing has been forthcoming. Has the PSPO programme been quietly abandoned?

(2) Effects of Sewage Overspills on Water Sports – Councillor Nemeth

Following various other questions that have arisen at this committee about both seafront sports and water safety, would the Chair give brief answers to the following questions that have arisen following discussions with swimmers, watersports participants generally and representatives of Surfers Against Sewage?:

a) Are watersports participants properly informed that red flags could signify a health hazard risk rather than dangerous sea conditions? A health hazard could be associated with calm waters after a severe storm that results in combined sewer and surface water discharges.  

b) In 2020, the most westerly Red Flag was at the Life Guard station next to the King Alfred. This was so far away as to be virtually invisible from the Promenade and Beach, west from about Langdale Gardens. Is there a case for more red flags even if these are not next to manned life guard stations?

c) Ought there to be a large and visible notice in front of each of the five outflows cautioning against swimming close to them, especially after rainy weather? 

d) Would the Environmental Health Team be aware if there were a spike in sewage-related disease amongst swimers? GP practices report incidence of diagnosed illness on a monthly basis to Public Health and this might not show a localised spike for example in gastro-enteritis over a specific 2-3 day period, which could be linked to a discharge. 

(3) Funding Maintenance Plans – Councillor Nemeth

Cllr Powell kindly offered to respond post-meeting to my supplementary question on Funding Maintenance Plans at the November 2020 meeting of this committee. Will this response be sent soon?