Issue - meetings

Notice of Motion

Meeting: 26/10/2023 - Isle of Anglesey County Council (Item 4)

Notice of Motion Pursuant to Rule 4.1.13.1 of the Constitution

To submit the following Notice of Motion by Councillor Nicola Roberts: -

 

‘I am presenting this notice of motion in order to call on the UK Government to safeguard the water quality of Anglesey and the whole of Wales.

 

During the last few months we have seen many examples of sea water being effected by dirty water which affects the residents of the Island, the tourism sector and wildlife. I attended an event with some of my fellow Councillors over the Summer in order to show our support to their request for more intervention from the Government to safeguard the quality of our water. 

 

Awful figures from Welsh Water confirm that there are over 20256 hours where waste water is discharged freely into our waters. This high number of hours shows that this way of discharging waste water is used as a regular occurrence rather than used in emergencies only. The effects of climate change is likely to make the situation worse.

 

Local resolution is not possible as the release of sewage in one County would have a geographical effect on our neighbours in other Counties. A solution is therefore needed from the Government. I am pleading with you to support my request to send a letter through the Leader to the UK Government for quick intervention.’

 

Additional documents:

Decision:

The meeting consented to the alteration and the Motion was unanimously carried.

Minutes:

Submitted – the following Notice of Motion by Councillor Nicola Roberts:-

 

‘I am presenting this notice of motion in order to call on the UK Government to safeguard the water quality of Anglesey and the whole of Wales.

 

During the last few months we have seen many examples of sea water being effected by dirty water which affects the residents of the Island, the tourism sector and wildlife.  I attended an event with some of my fellow Councillors over the Summer in order to show our support to their request for more intervention from the Government to safeguard the quality of our water.

 

Awful figures from Welsh Water confirm that there are over 20256 hours where waste water is discharged freely into our waters.  This high number of hours shows that this way of discharging waste water is used as a regular occurrence rather than used in emergencies only.  The effects of climate change is likely to make the situation worse.

 

Local resolution is not possible as the release of sewage in one County would have a geographical effect on our neighbours in other Counties.  A solution is therefore needed from the Government.  I am pleading with you to support my request to send a letter through the Leader to the UK Government for quick intervention.’

 

Councillor Neville Evans seconded the Motion.  Councillor Evans said that as the Portfolio Member for Leisure, Tourism and Maritime he is totally in support of the Motion as the water quality is paramount to residents of the Island and to tourism. 

 

Councillor Aled M Jones supported the Motion and that action needs to be taken to safeguard the quality of water. He referred to an example that a similar situation as regard to the quality of the water arose on a beach in the Twrcelyn and works were undertaken by the local authority and other agencies to rectify the situation.  He noted that such matters as to water quality, sewage and flood risk has been devolved by the UK Government to Welsh Government.   Councillor Jones proposed that a letter by sent to both the UK Government and Welsh Government as regards to the concerns as to the discharge of wastewater into the sea. 

 

Councillor Nicola Roberts said that she accepted the suggestion and would alter the Motion so that a letter be sent by the Leader to both the UK Government and Welsh Government.  She further said that devolved matters have been transferred by the UK Government to Welsh Government, however, general responsibility lies with the UK Government and an UK solution is required to improve water quality with the reduction of discharge to the sea. 

 

The meeting consented to the alteration and the Motion was unanimously carried.