Exmouth Blue Flag taken down in sewage outrage
The flag - awarded to beaches that achieve high environmental and quality standards- was taken down by protesting sea swimmers
Last updated 25th Aug 2024
Fresh outrage has been triggered in east Devon, after advice not to swim in the sea.
A blue flag that was awarded to Exmouth beach to recognise its quality, has been taken down in protest by a group of sea swimmers.
People in Exmouth and Sidmouth have been advised not to swim at beaches due to pollution risk alerts and storm overflow notifications.
Only last week, south west water apologised for leaking raw sewage into the sea and completed a “temporary fix” at Exmouth after a pipe burst at Maer Road pumping station.
East Devon district council say they recognise the 'strength of local feeling' on the topic, in a Facebook post.
They say they'll put the flag, awarded to beaches that achieve high environmental and quality standards, back up when conditions improve,
Also affected by latest warnings are other beaches in Devon - with sewage pollution alerts also covering Salcombe, Plymouth and Teignmouth.