South West Water apologises for another pipe burst - as calls grow for independent investigation
It's left tankers having to drive sewage while a repair is carried out
South West Water's apologised after having to use tankers to once again drive sewage across Exmouth.
It's after the latest burst pipe, which follows similiar problems at the end of last year.
East Devon MP Simon Jupp has called for an independent investigation, adding: "The ongoing situation is completely unacceptable and has once again demonstrated the dire need for fast-tracked investment into Exmouth’s water infrastructure, which I have demanded to be fully funded by South West Water. I have asked to be kept updated by South West Water on the situation ahead of my meeting with their senior leadership this week. We pay the highest sewage bills in the country. We demand better from South West Water."
At the start of the year, South West Water wrote to residents in Exmouth warning: "We are saddened to hear our contractors have been verbally abused and sabotage to their equipment has been attempted."
In the latest update to residents, South West Water said: "We’re repairing the burst as quickly as we can and will be fitting an overland pipe in the next few days that will transfer wastewater around the burst section.
"As you are aware, this depends on weather conditions, supply of materials and any potential flooding, which has cost us delays previously.
"Once the overland pipe is in place, tankering will stop. We’ll then refocus our teams on repairing the rising main on a permanent basis. We will repair the burst as soon as possible and are also working on a long-term solution for the area."
The message added: "While we repair the pipe, we must rely on tankers to transfer wastewater from Phear Park pumping station to the local treatment works at Maer Lane.
"Since last time, we’ve spoken to the council and agreed an approved traffic plan that we will be following.
"We appreciate this is happening alongside other significant traffic interruptions in Exmouth and will do our best to ease congestion in the area as much as possible."