Furious locals have hit out after “disgusting” sewage was pumped into a popular tourist beach for weeks – leaving toilet paper floating in the sea.
A leak from a South West Water foul sewer has been blamed for polluting the area for more than a fortnight.
Swimmers have been warned to stay out of the water at Gales Hill Beach in Teignmouth as the shocking scenes came to light, as reported by Need To Know.
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The issue was reported to the Environment Agency after volunteers from Friends of the River Teign spotted sewage and debris drifting in the water.
The beach has been closed to swimmers since late March, with repair works still ongoing.
The closure has dealt a blow to the local community, with tourists steering clear during the busy Easter holidays.
Angry residents didn’t hold back, branding the situation a “disgrace”.
One person said: “It’s a total disgrace, SWW shame on you.”
Another resident said: “Absolutely disgusting.”
A third person added: “They don’t care and we know that.”
One resident said: “Disgusting, so what the hell are we actually paying for then? My sewage charge is always more expensive than the actual water I use.”
Another person added: “Utterly disgusting.”
An Environment Agency spokesperson said: “The source of the pollution has been identified as a leak from a foul sewer into a surface water drain, and South West Water are completing repairs.
“We will remove our advice against bathing 24hrs after we have confirmation that the pollution has stopped.
“Our officers have attended site to take samples to support our investigation, and we will not hesitate to take enforcement action if appropriate.”
South West Water has been approached for comment.
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