Friends of the Earth says Guernsey's sewage should be treated

It believes treating sewage is the only socially responsible thing to do.

At the moment Guernsey pumps its raw sewage into the sea, claiming it is safe because of the island's strong currents and tides.

But the close proximity of sewage outfalls stopped two of Guernsey's beaches from winning a good beach award this year.

Early days

That decision prompted Deputy Scott Ogier to claim bathers were "swimming in their own effluent".

Friends of the Earth spokeswoman, Michelle Levrier, who also sits in the Environment Department, agrees sewage should be treated.

Bill Bell, Minister of Guernsey's Public Services Department, said: "This has been the historic way of dealing with sewage on the island and it cannot be good.

"But where it comes on the list of priorities is a matter of judgement.

"To do the whole job would cost tens of millions of pounds.

"We have got to look at it very carefully, it's early days yet. We have to spend our money wisely and we are not going to make a rushed judgement."

He added: "I'm happy to swim in our waters. But we must not be complacent. There is a problem and we must make decisions on how best to deal with it."