“South West Water explains pollution discharge off beautiful Devon beaches”

That’s the headline but it looks more like a “description” (burst sewer pipe) than an “explanation” of how and why.

No mention of Susan Davy, who is still in charge, pulling on the Marigolds and leading the clean up from the front. – Owl.

People must not swim off Woolacombe and Combesgate beaches

Alex Driscoll www.devonlive.com

Discharge coming from a burst at a South West Water pumping station has led to a pollution spilling into the sea, making bathing hazardous at some of the most beautiful and popular beaches in North Devon.

The discharge of harmful waste into the sea comes in the week that schools are breaking up for the summer holidays.

The incident has affected the water quality at beaches in Woolacombe and Combesgate, with the Environment Agency (EA) telling people not to bathe in the water.

North Devon Council said that signage was placed on the beaches warning locals and tourists of the incident and the danger to people’s health.

An EA spokesperson said: “Our specialist officers have attended this incident in North Devon to investigate and take samples.

“We have also issued advice against bathing at Combesgate Beach and Woolacombe Village bathing waters.

“We advise that swimmers and beach users stay updated via Swimfo for the latest information.

“Members of the public can report environmental incidents to us via the Environment Agency’s 24-hour incident hotline: 0800 807060.”

South West Water later confirmed that the incident was caused by a burst at the Castlerock Pumping Station, north of Combesgate Beach.

At 9.30pm, Monday, July 21, a burst at the pumping station was identified.

South West Water said: “We are utilising tankers to move flows away from the pumping station to reduce any environmental impact.

“We are very sorry for the disruption while our teams are on-site tonight working around the clock to manage the situation.”

The discharge was stopped at 1am this morning, Tuesday, July 22, but work to repair the burst is ongoing.

South West Water told Devon Live: “The discharge was stopped at 01.00 hours today and our teams are still working hard to fix the main.

“The Environment Agency have issued an alert and we are taking samples to assess water quality.”

It is currently unclear how long it will take for the pollution incident to be resolved.

To keep up with our live blog on the incident, click here.