Environment Agency now 'putting pressure' on South West Water
They've issued a warning, following the water firm's 'do not swim' pollution notice at a busy tourist beach last week
The Environment Agency says it's putting pressure on South West Water - following the latest pollution incident on a Devon beach.
Last week's 'do not swim' advice has now been lifted in Exmouth, but the town's MP says he's now meeting with water bosses after it damaged tourism.
South West Water have told us a temporary fix has now been done, and tankers will remain on site as a precaution while they plan a permanent repair.
A spokesperson for the Environment Agency South West said: "Our advice against swimming has been lifted and we are putting pressure on South West Water to ensure its sewage system does not spill again."
Exmouth swimmer Jo Bateman, 62, is trying to take South West Water to court over the number of times sewage spills have stopped her from sea swimming.
She said: "I would really like to see much tougher enforcement and punishments when any water company does this kind of thing - or pumps water into the sea or even when there's a sewage overspill.
"The new Government is kind of making the right noises but it's not enough. They are talking about severe fines for example for repeated offences but why repeated offences?
"If I went out into town and threw a brick through a shop window I'd get done.
"Things like this make me really nervous about using the sea in general."
David Reed MP, Conservative, posted at the weekend: "To see Exmouth beach with so few people enjoying it on a beautiful August day is extremely depressing.
"I will also be meeting with the CEO of SWW this week to call on her to bring forward structural engineering funds, and to get on with the job of upgrading their sewage network.
"Because patience has been lost, I will spend time over the coming weeks and months with representatives from SWW, local activist groups and businesses, along with local councillors to start rebuilding trust.
"Now is the time for action, not words. I have campaigned extensively to have SWW clean up our water, and now that I am elected I will be doing all I can to make this happen."
A spokesperson for South West Water said: “Our teams have been working around the clock in Exmouth to repair the burst pipe from Maer Road pumping station at Maer Lane.
"We are pleased to say that we have now completed the temporary fix, and the pipe is up and running, and we can now begin planning the permanent repair. However, tankers will remain on site as a precaution. We would like to thank residents and visitors for their patience, and we are sorry for the disruption caused throughout this event.”