South West Water urged to pledge more support to help area recover from cryptosporidium outbreak

Businesses are calling for a support package to be announced

South West Water has created a number of free bottled water collection points
Author: Andrew KayPublished 17th Jun 2024

The latest water drop in session takes place for those still having to boil their tap water in parts of South Devon.

South West Water are holding an event at Kingswear Hall, from 3pm until 7pm to answer any questions

It comes as work continues to get water supplies back to normal in the Brixham area after the cryptosporidium outbreak.

As of Friday, nearly 2,100 properties were still being told to boil their drinking water before drinking it - more than a month after the parasite was confirmed in the area.

John Ingram, who owns The Bay Coffee Company on Brixham harbour side, says he's having to reassure customers that his business is not affected.

"It's gone on for a very long time, which we never thought, we thought it would be a few days.

"It's still worrying people and that means it's going to have a longer effect before we can hopefully recover.

"It has affected some of the trade (in the town) it's not as busy as we should be. That's something we're hoping South West Water will do is come and help and do a nice positive campaign to show everybody when everything's all fine."

We have contacted South West Water for a response.

Today Lib Dem Leader Ed Davey is visiting the area to talk about changes he would like to see in the water industry. Labour's Rachel Reeves has said she will seek closer trade ties with the EU and more foreign investment as she kicks off an economy-focused week, while Conservative Rishi Sunak is returning to the campaign trail after a few days' hiatus. As Labour and the Tories continue to trade blows on tax and spending, Mr Sunak criticised Labour's pledges as a "con".

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