Last night, I attended the event on the top floor of Ocean, on Exmouth seafront about the possibility of Exmouth businesses and residents pursuing legal action against South West Water.

What struck me was those who attended the event ranged from people in their late teens to the elderly. All there because “Enough is Enough!” about the damaging effects of sewage is having on people’s lives.

Looking around the room, I spotted Town, District and County councillors who represent constituents in Exmouth, They have different political allegiances, but nevertheless united in wanting an end to sewage pollution. Councillor Paul Arnott, the Liberal Democrats leader of East Devon District Council was also present.

Nicky Nicholls, Community and Innovation lead at Sideshore, introduced the event. Andy Tyerman, of End Sewage and Poollution In Exmouth (ESCAPE) campaign group spoke briefly about his and Geoff Crawford’s work. This was followed by two businesses who shared their experiences of the devastating effect of the constant sewage pollution during August had on their businesses. Jo Bateman, the Exmouth swimmer spoke about why she is taking legal action against South West Water.

Representatives from Leigh Day, a legal firm spoke about how they work and the way forward if they decide to take on our case. They emphasised it would be done on a ‘No Win No Fee’ basis.

Many questions were asked by members of the audience. These included questions from

* environmentalists

* people who use the sea and beach for health benefits

* people who use it for recreational purposes such as rowers, sailors, kitesurfers, kayakers etc

* people who are now reluctant to walk their dog on the beach

* people who live near the water

* people whose businesses rely on trade

* people who are concerned about the devastating effects sewage pollution could have on the town’s future as a tourist destination

* people who are regular visitors to the town who are seeing their lifestyles compromised

I was aware that people with families whose lifestyles have been thwarted by sewage pollution may not have been able to attend.

Nicky Nicholls concluded the event by informing those present that ESCAPE and Sideshore will provide people with regular updates on their social media about this situation.

I urge people affected by sewage pollution in Exmouth to register their interest to join the Exmouth v South West Water. It’s for each family member and club member to complete as individuals.and can so by completing the form below:

https://www.leighday.co.uk/our-services/group-claims/exmouth-sewage-pollution-potential-legal-action/?fbclid=IwY2xjawFXeYtleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHW-Fie4RH2S0O_IAwzIhoFCw1YM_Ba2enPQEFjG10GF69S6EWGSQmnqjFg_aem_NbDQNzvvB8KxFNdEiV-0ZQ

Posted by

East Devon Watch

Posted on

18 Sep 2024

Posted under

Misc

Background to the meeting in Exmouth last night called to discuss possible pollution claim

The meeting was briefly reported on BBC Spotlight, full report yet to emerge but here is the background – Owl

Exmouth Sewage Pollution Claim | Leigh Day

We are assisting the residents of Exmouth in exploring the possibility of bringing legal action against South West Water over its pollution of Exmouth Beach and surrounding area. www.leighday.co.uk

Sewage Pollution in Exmouth

Exmouth Beach, often called the “gateway to UNESCO’s World Heritage Jurassic Coast” is the prized asset of Exmouth and is of vital importance with much of the Devon town’s economy revolving around the tourism the beach attracts.

However, according to local reports, South West Water repeatedly discharges large amounts of untreated sewage into the River Exe and Sea which is having a detrimental impact on Exmouth Beach and the surrounding area.

The impact of these discharges is acknowledged by both the Environment Agency and South West Water, with the Environment Agency having issued numerous ‘do not swim’ warnings in recent years and South West Water regularly stating on its website that discharges may affect the condition of the bathing water.

Paul Arnott, the East Devonshire District Council leader declared a state of “ongoing civil emergency” due to beaches having to be closed repeatedly from Seaton to Sidmouth because of sewage discharges. Most recently, during the August 2024 Bank Holiday weekend, the local council had to put Red Flag warnings up on Exmouth Beach to prevent people from entering the water.

What do I need to know?

We currently represent wild swimmer and Exmouth resident Jo Bateman in her claim against South West Water. Jo Bateman is arguing that South West Water’s continued pollution of the sea has prevented her swimming in the sea on numerous days.

By working with Jo Bateman, it became clear that many others within Exmouth were also being impacted by the activities of South West Water and following a meeting with members of the local community, we were asked whether we could also represent others in a group action.

Most people who live in the area or regularly visit the area will be able to join the claim, including if you:

Rely on the sea at Exmouth Beach or the River Exe for hobbies and leisure and have been affected by the pollution.
Have a business which has been affected by the pollution.

To register your interest in this potential claim, please complete the online form here.

If you would like to meet the legal team looking to bring this claim and hear more about the potential legal action, we will be attending a community meeting on Tuesday 17 September 2024 at Ocean Suite, Queen’s Dr, Exmouth EX8 2AY please complete this form.

Affected by this issue?

If you have been affected by sewage pollution in Exmouth, then you can contact us via our expression of interest form.

Planning applications validated by EDC for week beginning 2 September

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A correspondent reports on last night’s meeting to discuss potential “Exmouth v SWW” sewage claim

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Background to the meeting in Exmouth last night called to discuss possible pollution claim

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