Owl would love to become a fly on the wall for such an event!

David Reed has always advocated a softer “on the same page” approach in tackling the local sewage problem with South West Water. Today, Owl posts a correspondent’s frustration at the lack of progress this approach is having.

In the light of his predecessor’s defection to take a job with South West Water’s parent company, Pennon Group (see below), this phrase takes on a whole new meaning.

Owl has heard whispers that David Reed’s second “on the same page” meeting is scheduled for this Thursday 10 April, included are: the Environment Agency, South West Water, Exmouth Town Council, Clinton Devon Estates and possibly ESCAPE (if they are on the same page) .

Definitely excluded, because they’re not “on the same page”, are EDDC, despite EDDC environmental officers having a formal role in every incident.

What if Simon Jupp, David Reed’s predecessor as Tory MP for East Devon, were to turn up?

“Hello David I’m here with the team to talk about working with communities across the region on our future development plans……….”

Can anyone in East Devon now trust a Tory on pollution?

For those not up with the background see: Simon Jupp takes job with owner of water firm he “denounced” – the https://eastdevonwatch.org/2025/04/07/breaking-simon-jupp-takes-job-with-owner-of-water-firm-he-denounced-the-whole-thing-stinks/whole thing stinks!

Owl received this letter a week ago – it now, as his predecessor joins South West Water, seems a particularly pertinent moment to publish it.

Dear Owl, 

In the run up to the general election, I had canvassers come and visit me from our three main political parties: Conservatives, Labour and Liberal Democrats. 

The canvasser on behalf of the Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Exmouth and Exeter East understandably spoke highly of the candidate. He stated that David Reed was a former marine who had served the country and was ready to serve his constituents. 

I retained all of the election leaflets as I was determined that whoever was elected, I would hold them to account. 

David Reed’s leaflets:

They make very interesting reading in hindsight.  

“From ending sewage pollution…” I can’t see any results yet.  

*  He has answered constituent’s letters. 

*  He has met with the CEO of South West Water.

*  He has hosted a meeting at Exmouth Town Hall. 

*  He has given comments to Helen Dollimore for her to ask the CEO of South West Water at a recent select committee.

*  He has contributed to the Housing Development Planning Water Companies debate on 12th March. 

BUT HE HAS NOT ENDED SEWAGE POLLUTION!

In the Autumn, Exmouth Town Council wrote to Steve Reed, the Secretary of State for Environment for Food and Rural Affairs inviting him to Exmouth to discuss sewage. I haven’t seen anything to suggest that David Reed has followed this up, or anything in the public domain about the Secretary of State for Environment for Food and Rural Affairs coming to Exmouth. 

“Pushing back on overdevelopment …” 

*  He has contributed to the Housing Development Planning Water Companies debate on 12th March. 

*  He has written articles in the local press about it. 

*  He has wriitten on social media about it. 

31st March, 2025: “Our home cannot accept this lack of joined up thinking, and I will not let this happen on my watch.”

The MP for Exmouth and Exeter East is at a disadvantage to “influence government”  because his party is now in opposition. In the run up to the general election, I’m sure many people enlightened him and his canvassers why they no longer would vote Conservative. 

I’m certain that  many of the constituents in Exmouth and Exeter East, to the right and left of the Conservative Party are wanting their MP to end sewage and over development. 

COULD THE MP FOR EXMOUTH AND EXETER EAST ENLIGHTEN HIS CONSTITUENTS ABOUT WHAT HE IS GOING TO DO TO STOP THIS HAPPENING ON HIS WATCH?

Yours sincerely, 

An Exmouth and Exeter East constituent who would like their MP to end sewage and over development