Binstead pub in dispute with Southern Water following flooding

Lucy Edwards from The Fleming Arms in Binstead, refutes claims made by Southern Water that the establishment has its own private pumping station and has been visited by the water company since her tenure began in 2018.

It follows a weekend when severe rainfall saw the town's homes and businesses suffer water damage after drains overflowed with sewage and rainwater.

The original statement said: "We have been approached by the Fleming Arms (twice) in the last three years and have attended each time.

"Inspectors found the premises to be served by (its) own private pumping station which on both occasions was found to be struggling to cope with the amount of fat that is being put through it.

"We advised on how to prevent overload and maintain."

The Fleming Arms kitchen after flood water was cleared.

Lucy took umbrage to some of these claims and told the County Press she would like a retraction from the company.

She said: "I would like Southern Water to give me copies of each report since visiting our site at The Fleming Arms.

"They have mentioned we have our own private pumping station (which) is untrue. I would like to know where on my property this pumping station is.

"Not once have I been giving a formal report, they have sent Dyno-Rod out on several occasions and each time they are unable to give us a copy of the report as it had to go directly to Southern Water.

"I would like proof of their visit and request to us to maintain a pumping station which we do not have or own!

"Their statement is defamation of us and I do not want the local community to feel it has been a lack of responsibility on our behalf.

"I would like a public apology for their statement when they are proven to be wrong, which in this case they will be. I would be aware of a pumping station located on my site."

The video below shows the overflowing drains outside the Fleming Arms during Sunday's deluge...

Southern Water subsequently offered to meet with Lucy, but refused to comment further on the matter.

A statement sent to the CP said: "Flooding is both a complex and emotive issue. There are many different agencies with different responsibilities including the local authority, Island Roads, Environment Agency, landowners and Southern Water.

"We have offered to meet with this customer and are happy to show her all the reports without going through the bureaucratic process of making an Environmental Information Request.

"We will not be commenting further as it is clearly in everyone’s interest to work constructively together rather than engaging in claim and counter claim."

Lucy will now be taking up the matter directly with Southern Water.

Meanwhile, Binstead and Fishbourne Councillor, Ian Dore, is also pursuing resolution for the matter.