Campaigners gather outside South West Water roadshow
Surfers Against Sewage, Extinction Rebellion and swim groups are calling for an end to sewage discharges
Campaigners have gathered outside a South West Water Roadshow to call to an end of sewage dumping in rivers and seas.
Groups including Surfers Against Sewage, Extinction Rebellion and wild swimming groups have been in Hayle asking South West Water for cleaner waterways.
Sarah Walsh, open water swim coach, said: "I've had terrible sickness, I didn't think I would make it here today. It's something I've picked up in the water. Everytime we go swimming we are having to check if the water quality is good enough. It's unbelievable. There's at least 20,000 members of Blue Tits in Cornwall alone as well as other swim groups. We have to check every day and there are people swimming every time of the year now.
"It's all about awareness"
Paul, Extinction Rebellion Protestor, said: "I went down and swam, I got an ear infection and as a result I got tinnitus, lost my hearing and now I have to wear hearing aids."
Chloe Flood, a campaign manager at Surfers Against Sewage, said: "It's only right that we come and keep that pressure on South West Water to show them that we are still watching.
"We will not stop until the polluting stops"
South West Water said: "The views of all our customers matter hugely to us and we fully respect the rights of those who wish to protest peacefully. We’re listening and know we have more to do.
"Events like this allow us to talk directly to customers, share our investment plans and provide the opportunity to discuss any concerns they may have.
"We’re serious about tackling storm overflows and change of this scale takes time, ambition, and increased investment – that’s why we are investing £2.8 billion in our region."