In response to the recent pollution incident in Exmouth, Councillor Graham Deasy, chair of the town council's water quality working party, has issued a statement.

On Tuesday, a sewage pipe burst near the South West Water Maer Lane pumping site, since contractors have been working to place a temporary pipe to fix the full pipe, on Tuesday this week that temporary pipe failed and tankers were bought back in to transport sewage away from the pipe.

The statement says: “Exmouth Town Council (ETC) finds the failings of the sewer system unacceptable and share the views that have been expressed by many of the Town’s residents.

"ETC continues to work with all interested parties to resolve not only the current situation, but also to ensure an appropriate sewage network is installed to cope with current and future needs.

"ETC is raising a number of issues with SWW, not least concerning the harm to the environment and reputational damage to our Town as a tourist and visitor destination; and we are also very concerned for our residents, who wish to enjoy the amenity of the beach and sea.

"The views and interests of Exmouth residents, business' and visitors are paramount in our frequent discussions with SWW. Unfortunately, local councils have no authority over SWW, but that does not stop us robustly representing the concerns of our community to SWW and the Environment Agency on a regular basis.

"ETC notes the numerous and understandable comments on social media about the level of developments that have taken place within our Town boundary. East Devon District Council as the planning authority, and Exmouth Town Council as a statutory consultee, have no power to refuse planning permission based on infrastructure issues.

"We share resident’s frustrations in respect of this, but our hands are currently tied by statutory regulations. The work undertaken in recent days by contractors, lorry drivers, engineers and a number of other operatives is something that should be applauded.

We have conveyed our thanks to these personnel working for SWW. We have also expressed our gratitude to our beach lifeguards who have co-operated and worked diligently to ensure the safety of beach users.”

For more information, please contact Chetna Jones, Deputy Town Clerk at deputyclerk@exmouth.gov.uk or call 01395 276167