Sewage discharges are one of the biggest issues facing Islanders — and MP hopefuls standing in the West constituency have been discussing how they would tackle the problem, should they be elected.

There were thousands of hours of releases off the coast last year, including in Cowes which saw 5,000 hours of discharges.

In 120 words, the County Press asked candidates what they would do about it.

Here's what they told us...

For the Isle of Wight Green Party, Cameron Palin said: "Protecting our seas and rivers from the sewage dumping caused by water companies is a priority for me and the Greens. Labour and the Conservatives are only committing to half measures on this issue. 

"In 2023 more than 17,340 hours of sewage was released onto our coastline, with hundreds of spills taking place close to bathing spots including in Gurnard, Cowes, Totland and Compton.

"The £57bn in payouts from the water industry over the last 30 years should have gone towards improving standards, not lining shareholders pockets.

"If elected, I would push for water companies to be brought back into public hands to stop the harm being caused to our beautiful rivers and coastlines."

Reform UK's Ian Pickering said: "There has to be significant investment in the infrastructure of the water and sewage disposal system on the Island.

"The building of interim treatment plants in suitable locations between Yarmouth and Sandown, for instance, would relieve some of the pressure and allow treated water to be released before the volume became to great to cope with in the event of a period of heavy rain.

"On many houses the roof is drained into the mains sewerage system which in turn, after a period of heavy rain, will lead to an additional load on an inadequate system. Whilst they only make a small contribution to relieving the load, slow release water butts can play their part along with conventional water butts."

Island Labour's Richard Quigley said: "The state of our seas is an embarrassment, we will stop water company bosses bonuses until they clear up their mess, those that repeatedly break the law will face criminal charges under a Labour government.

"Currently water companies self monitor, we would end that and ensure every single water outlet is monitored independently. 

"We will also introduce severe and automatic fines, so that water companies can't afford to illegally dump sewage."

Bob Seely, Isle of Wight Conservative candidate, said: "We have a ground-breaking plan to tackle water pollution. 

"Nationally, we introduced the 2021 Environment Act which mandated the biggest overhaul of the wastewater system since the Victorian era.

"Water companies are investing over £56 billion to dramatically improve water quality – the biggest environmental investment programme in their history.

"Locally, we’ve persuaded Southern Water to make the Island an example of best practice for reducing storm overflows and cleaning up waters. This includes the rollout of the water-butt scheme and water recycling in Sandown.

"£230m has been allocated to the Island’s sewage network."

At the time of press, Isle of Wight Liberal Democrat candidate Nick Stuart had not provided a response.

Rachel Thacker, candidate for Alliance for Democracy and Freedom, said: "I would advocate for the Water company executives to be held criminally liable for their failings."

  • For Isle of Wight East: Emily Brothers, Labour; David Groocock, Independent; Michael Lilley, Liberal Democrats; Vix Lowthion, Green Party; Sarah Morris, Reform UK; Joe Robertson, Conservatives.