EXMOUTH SEWAGE POLLUTION CLAIM AGAINST SOUTH WEST WATER
As many readers will know, people in Exmouth have had enough of South West Water, especially as it had devasting effects on our beautiful seafront. For seveal days in the summer season, we had
a deserted beach and angry visitors, residents and business owners. The reputational damage to Exmouth as a seaside resort could be considered immense.
Nicky Nicholls, Community and Innovation lead at Sideshore spearheaded a campaign to bring an end to sewage pollution. Businesses, organisations and people affected by sewage pollution came together with the clear message, “Enough is enough.”
Last month, the upstairs room of Ocean on Exmouth seafront was packed full of people interested in finding out more about registering a group legal claim against South West Water. The legal firm who had been chosen to consider acting on their behalf was Leigh Day.
This led to thousands of people affected by sewage in Exmouth, whether they are businesses or individuals registering an interest in making a claim.
I registered an interest as I’m not able to swim as frequently as I would like to in the sea. I’m reluctant to take my dog for a walk on the beach, as other pets have been ill and their owners have had to pay vet’s fees. I’m also concerned about the effects it’s having on our tourism industry. I heard about a taxi driver who had seen a decline in business as not so many people were visiting Exmouth.
On 17th October, I received an email from Leigh Day stating they had now launched the sewage claim against South West Water in Exmouth! To be part of the claim, I had to complete a questionaire which they informed me would take only 2-3 minutes to complete.
Everything seemed straight forward and I was happy to proceed and be part of the no win, no fee group claim.
I was invited to attend a zoom meeting with Leigh Day on Tuesday, 22nd October at 7 pm. to ask any questions that I may have. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to be in the meeting from the start due to technical reasons. However, when I joined the meeting, I was reassured from hearing the legal reprentatives that Leigh Day are a reputable firm of solicitors. It was clear that they will advise us all the way throughout the claim and work in our best interests. If things were going to get unaffordable the solicitors wouldn’t pursue it. If the claim isn’t successful (ie No Win) then the insurance would pay and not the individuals who are making a claim.
Claim forms were sent out from Leigh Day to those who had registered an interest in making a claim on 17th October. By 22nd October they had already received 500 claims.
Those interested in making a claim but are unsure about whether they would be eligible might find this slide helpful.
Who can make a claim?
Public Nuisance
1) Impacted hobby eg kitesurfing
2) Impacted dog walker
3) Property owner with decreased house value
4) Business dependent on tourism eg hotel
5) Business reliant on water eg paddle board rental
Private Nuisance
1) Property on waterway
2) Impacted fishing rights
The representatives from Leigh Day stated that people could contact them directly by email or phone if they had any questions about their individual circumstances. Email: exmouthsewage@leighday.co.uk Phone: 020 7650 1111
On Tuesday 29th October there is going to be a drop session at the Community Hub, Sideshore, Queen’s Drive, Exmouth for people to ask questions to the Leigh Day legal team from 11.30 to 5.30.
Information for those wishing to join the Exmouth Group Sewage Pollution Claim: https://www.leighday.co.uk/our-services/group-claims/exmouth-sewage-pollution-claim/?fbclid=IwY2xjawGJqLJleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHfn_Py5pXsjnQFxru6QP40k4WOWiK4aTs460fwc0NfbeVLVUrF5bMp1Sgg_aem_4I72h2D-DJe28ToITkkn4g
Those who have joined the group claim can also join the Exmouth Sewage Pollution Claim Facebook group. Please read the instructions regarding eligibility to be in the group when joining. https://www.facebook.com/groups/852651286856384
East Devon Watch 