AN 82-year-old struggling with ill health is being taken to court later this month for refusing to pay his water bill.

Retired magistrate Chris Stanley, who lives in the Kent seaside town of Whitstable, is being prosecuted for withholding part of his bill because of excessive sewage discharges made by Southern Water.

Wastewater, he says, is not treated “to adequate nor even to legal standards.”

Mr Stanley suffered a medical emergency requiring advanced surgery at a London hospital in October 2023 while his wife, 69, has incurable cancer. Both have been encouraged by their doctors to swim.

Mr Stanley says this is “essential for the improvement and maintenance of our health and independence” but they feel unable to do so because of the danger posed by sewage pollution.

They used to swim frequently in the sea during the summer months but now rarely risk it.

In a letter to the defendant, South East Water, which issues bills on behalf of fellow privateer Southern Water, refused to discuss the dispute as it says it’s not responsible for sewage.

In the same letter, the firm offered to reduce the defendant’s most recent bill, but Mr Stanley declined.

Mr Stanley has offered to pay half the outstanding bill and to pay bills at half their standard amount in future until Southern Water reduces local sewage discharges to much lower levels.

Residents and protest groups in Whitstable have been battling with Southern Water for several years over what they see as unacceptable levels of sewage pollution. Many are expected to attend the hearing in Canterbury on June 26 and show their support for Mr Stanley.