Hastings and Rye MP urges for independent investigation into release of toxic beads onto Camber
Last updated 11th Nov 2025
Hastings and Rye MP Helena Dollimore is urging for an independent investigation into why thousands of toxic pellets were released onto Camber Beach.
Images yesterday showed usually pristine dunes dotted with the little dark specks around five millimetres wide - which Southern Water apologised for as it admitted they came from a "screening failure" at its Eastbourne Treatment works.
However, Dollimore is now demanding answers as to why it wasn't investigated earlier, claiming that the water company was aware of the spillage as early as the 23rd of October: "When Storm Benjamin occurred, they said they'd had this mechanical failure at the Eastbourne plant.
"Why didn't they back then, two weeks ago, check if they'd lost any beads?
"Because the spill would have been much easier to clean up and much less expensive to clean up if we'd known about it then."
Environmental campaigners have also expressed concerns that the beads could infiltrate the wider ecosystem, if they are mistaken as food by marine life.
The MP is now urging for the water company to commission an independent investigation into "how this spill could happen, why it wasn't detected and what they're going to do to make it sure it never happens again".
She added:
"They've got to disclose the contents of the beads.
"People are really concerned who are walking their dogs on the beach about whether they could pose any threat to their pets.
"They also, once the initial clean up is done, need to fund nature restoration work.
"We are home to some of the most important nature reserves in England in this part of our coastline and it's very rare species of birds and real life, so they must not pay the price for this negligence on the part of Southern Water."
In a statement, Southern Water said: ""After completing the initial stages of a thorough investigation, which is continuing, we believe it is highly likely that the beads have come from our Eastbourne Wastewater Treatment Works.
"We've identified a failure of a screening filter which has apparently led to beads used in the treatment process being released into the sea during heavy rainfall.
"The screen should have prevented this occurring.
"We are very sorry this has happened and are doing everything possible to investigate and resolve the problem. "We'll provide further updates as soon as more information becomes available.
“Southern Water teams continue to work closely with Rother District Council, which is leading the clean-up efforts, and we remain committed to supporting this work in every way we can. Southern Water volunteers will continue to assist.
"Our staff are there to help, and we ask that they are treated with respect as they help with the beach clean.”