LORD BASSAM is calling for full bug-zapping treatment of sewage at the Portobello works in Telscombe Cliffs.

The Brighton and Hove Council leader has written to Environment Minister Michael Meacher saying how concerned he is about Southern Water's current application for sewage disposal. Lord Bassam says the application should be called in, so that it is examined closely. Southern Water is proposing primary treatment at the plant, which takes all the sewage from Brighton and Hove. It may also install secondary treatment but is not at present planning tertiary treatment, which would involve ultra violet measures to kill bacteria. ASelect Committee on the Environment has issued a report saying that by the year 2002 all sewage should be treated to tertiary level. Lord Bassam said: "In the light of this report, Southern Water's proposals simply do not go far enough. "I strongly believe that there is a need for effective secondary and tertiary treatment of sewage at Portobello." Lord Bassam said the cost to the environment would be high if sewage was not treated properly. He added: "I wholeheartedly agree with Kemp Town MP Dr Des Turner, a technical expert. We must have a much higher standard of bathing water and cleaner seas for our fisheries." Although the outfall is outside Brighton and Hove, the council owns land at the site which it has agreed to sell to Southern Water provided planning and environmental conditions are satisfied.

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