How we became involved

Southend Against Sewage was formed following a sewage pollution incident in October 2021. We were swimming with several friends when raw sewage was released without warming from the combined sewage outflows (CSO) along the foreshore, following the collapse of a sewage well at Stoke Rd, Southend. It was a disgusting experience. We needed answers. However, when those answers were not forthcoming, we embarked upon our own campaign. With beaches being closed for almost two weeks, while raw sewage was pumped into the estuary, we decided that coordinated action was necessary. Southend Against Sewage was formed and organised its first demonstration in November 2021.  Something that a few weeks earlier none of us would have imagined we would be involved in organising. From that point on we have advocated for clean waters, protection of beaches, marine habitats, and improvements to infrastructure.