Fancy a free poo coloured ice cream?
On Tuesday the 18th, “Sewage sundaes” will be handed out on Southend’s seafront to highlight the pollution on the city’s beaches. The campaign, organised by 38 Degrees, features free poo-themed ice cream to draw attention to sewage discharges in Southend’s estuary and other waterways and to demand action from the next government.
Matthew McGregor, chief executive of 38 Degrees, stated, “Summer holidays are approaching, but our seaside is threatened. While our ice creams won’t actually contain human waste, the point is serious. The people of Southend deserve clean seas. We’ll be collecting signatures for a petition demanding the next Prime Minister address sewage spills.”
This protest follows a significant increase in sewage spills by Anglian Water in 2023. Local beachgoers and swimmers have recently rallied near Southend Pier with Surfers Against Sewage, calling for cleaner seas.
I’m meeting up with them at 11.30am on Marine Parade if you’d like to come along.