‘THESE KIND OF PEOPLE’

I recently submitted a Subject Access Request to South West Water under the Data Protection Act (thanks for the suggestion Rosie Wood).
What I received back genuinely shocked me, writes Marc Astley.
Among the internal emails was a message referring to me — and others like me — as “these kind of people” who are “too busy spouting about how rubbish they think SWW are”.
This is how a regulated water company describes concerned customers and campaigners who raise legitimate environmental and public health concerns.
Not as engaged citizens. Not as stakeholders. But as a problem to be brushed aside.
If they treat their own customers with such obvious contempt, is it any surprise they don't give two hoots about the environment either?
Let’s be clear:
* Calling out raw sewage discharges
* Holding companies accountable
* Asking questions about public infrastructure
That’s not “spouting.” That’s our right — and, frankly, our duty.
The contempt in this email is exactly why public trust in the water industry is collapsing.
If this is how they talk about people behind closed doors, how can we believe they’re acting in the public interest?

I won't be silenced. And I know I’m not alone.