What Can I do?
Most people in Thanet are fed up and frustrated with Southern Water, with the sewage in the sea and the interrupted water supplies. But too often we are daunted by the size of the task and the power of vested interests. "What I can I do about it, I'm just an ordinary person." is a common question.
Well the answer is actually... LOADS!
Call to action
Last week Thanet Green Party hosted a meeting with 'clean water' campaigners Fergal Sharkey and Dame Jennie Jones who both spoke passionately about the need to confront Southern Water and the other companies that pollute our rivers and seas for profit.
Following their lead Green councillor Mike Garner has collected the ideas and suggestions from the meeting into an action plan.
1. Write!
WRITE to Southern Water CEO asking for an explanation as to what is happening. Why is there no progress being made to upgrade the infrastructure? Southern Water CEO's email address is Lawrence.Gosden@southernwater.co.uk
WRITE to TDC Council Leader asking what she is doing to hold Southern Water to account. Are you chasing Southern Water to clean up the beaches? When is the next Southern Water Stakeholder Meeting? The Leader’s email address is cllr-ash.ashbee@thanet.gov.uk
And cc Lisa Collingwood, Beach & Coast Manager (lisa.collingwood@thanet.gov.uk)
WRITE to your MP:
Craig MacKinlay (South Thanet) is craig.mackinlay.mp@parliament.uk
Sir Roger Gale (North Thanet) is galerj@parliament.uk or local office is suzy@galemail.com
WRITE to Keir Starmer (keir.starmer.mp@parliament.uk) asking what action he is going to take if he becomes Prime Minister.
2. Demonstrate!
ORGANISE regular demos around the area
- Outside MPs’ constituency offices
- Outside Council offices at meetings
Key dates
Tuesday 14th March – Overview and Scrutiny discussing Southern Water
Thursday 30th March – Last Full Council meeting of the Year
3. Sign!
Sign the petition calling on Southern Water executives to attend a Public Meeting in Thanet. Go to www.change.org/p/call-for-southern-water-to-address-constant-supply-issues-in-broadstairs/
4. Join National Demonstrations!
On 21st April this year Extinction Rebellion is planning 'The Big One', a huge demonstration in London with the aim of encircling the House of Parliament with a ring of 100,000 people. Unlike previous Extinction Rebellion protests the aim is 'attendance not arrests.'
Sign up at extinctionrebellion.uk/the-big-one/
5. Elect!
On 4th May here are local council elections so vote Green Party and make sure your candidate, your councillor is going to hold Southern Water to account and demand they spend their profits on providing the service we need not dividends and executive pay!
6.Join!
And last but in no way least join the Green Party. To find out more about our policies, aims, activities and people go to thanet.greenparty.org.uk