COUNCILLORS have given a lukewarm response to getting involved with Wessex Water on an environmental project.

The Wessex Water’s Water Mark Town initiative offers support and resources to towns across the region to raise awareness about water sustainability, climate resilience and river health.

The scheme runs annually and supports towns taking part in the initiative to co-design a local programme of activities.

But there was not a flood of excitement for the project when members of Wellington Town Council’s environment committee met on September 17.

Cllr Sean Pringle-Kosikowsky quipped: “This reminds me of us taking healthy eating advice from Coca-Cola!

“The positives do outweigh the negatives, but we have to check that there are no ties with Wessex Water and we don’t promote them through this.”

Cllr Mike McGuffie warned: “This is just an exercise to try and make Wessex Water look good!”

Despite the lack of apparent support for the project, councillors did agree that the council should enter discussions with Wessex Water about taking part in the scheme.

The council’s community development officer, Laura Batcha, will start to co-ordinate an initial ‘expression of interest’ in the scheme and begin preparing for a workshop in early 2026.

Councillors will discuss a future report in late 2025 with a proposed activity plan shaped by the Wessex Water team.

The Water Mark Town activities could include community river or stream clean-ups, school visits or educational sessions, awareness campaigns and water-saving ideas.

Wessex Water has said it would provide officer support and project co-ordination across the year and funding of up to £5,000 for local projects and events.

If the town council agrees to go-ahead with the project the activities would be held between April and October next year.

A report said the Water Mark project would support the council’s vision of creating a more environmentally-friendly community.