NNDC councillor calls for legal action against Anglian Water

Mundesley Beach was cordoned off by the water company earlier this month following a leak at the pumping station next to the beach.  

Members at North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) have criticised Anglian Water for their response, with one demanding court action. 

Council leader Tim Adams told his colleagues the authority could not rule in or out legal action “at this stage”.  

Tim Adams (Image: North Norfolk Council)

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NNDC has advised people to stay away from a section of Mundesley beach extending south-east from the pumping station. 

Mr Adams was speaking at a full council meeting on Tuesday, following a question from independent councillor Greg Hayman. 

Mr Hayman said: “Are we able to take or pursue any legal action against them for the damage they have potentially done to our tourist industry at the very beginning of the season, the damage they have done to wildlife, the potential damage they might do to users of the water, beach and other facilities? 

Greg Hayman (Image: Archant © 2011)

“I strongly urge, that we consider the possibility of taking legal action against them. 

“The only way these wretches are going to act in a responsible manner is if there is a threat of sanction hanging over them.” 

Mr Adams described sewage spills around the country as “very distressing”. 

He said: “We have got to continue to take this very seriously and if that means legal action or something along those lines, I certainly wouldn’t rule it out, but I certainly can’t rule it in at this stage.” 

Mundesley councillor, Wendy Fredericks, branded the company's response “woefully underprepared”.

Anglian Water has previously said it takes its environmental responsibility “incredibly seriously” and the incident was “deeply upsetting for everyone that works here”.