South West Water has apologised for the disruption caused by roadworks at Imperial Road roundabout in Exmouth after criticism on social media.

The Mayor of Exmouth, Cllr Joe Whibley, took to Facebook on Saturday (July 13) to vent his frustration at the various ‘issues and road closures’ around the town, just as the summer tourist season is getting under way.

He said: “Why is the sewerage and supply in Exmouth completely falling apart? And why is it happening all at the same time?”

He described the problems as ‘a knife in the back of our tourist industry’, saying: “You can't get into our town, or park in half of our car parks, or get around our town. I dunno what the solution is but to keep firefighting like this is utterly ridiculous. I'm so angry!”

His post attracted nearly 150 comments, with many people saying too many new homes are being built in Exmouth, overloading the sewage system and other infrastructure.

A spokesperson for South West Water said on Monday (July 15): “Our teams are working hard to fix a burst sewer at Imperial Road roundabout in Exmouth. To ensure this work can be carried out safely, we have put in place temporary traffic lights and have closed off part of Imperial Road Short Stay Car Park to ensure safe access to the site is maintained.”

The company said there has been no spill to the watercourse, and tankers are being used to transport flows to a nearby sewage treatment works to prevent any impact to the environment.

South West Water said there have been storm overflows in the area in recent days following heavy rainfall, but reducing their use ‘is a priority’ and the company is ‘investing record levels to do so’.

The company added that it has had ‘extensive engagement with Exmouth residents and councillors over the last few months, including a number of roadshows and community events. We are also attending a full council meeting in August’.