Sewage pollutes beach for more than two weeks

A beach in south Devon has been polluted with sewage for more than two consecutive weeks, according to the Environment Agency (EA).

The agency confirmed a leak from a South West Water (SWW) foul sewer at Gales Hill Beach, Teignmouth and advised swimmers not to enter the water.

Environmental campaigners, Friends of the River Teign (FORT), said it was "a significant incident" which was "very damaging" to the local community as the beach had been closed during the Easter holidays.

The EA said it had taken samples and "will not hesitate to take enforcement action if appropriate". The BBC has approached SWW for comment.

An EA spokesperson said: "The source of the pollution has been identified as a leak from a foul sewer into a surface water drain and South West Water are completing repairs.

"We will remove our advice against bathing 24 hours after we have confirmation that the pollution has stopped."

FORT said it reported the issue to the EA on 29 March after volunteers saw sewage and toilet paper flowing from a culvert into the river.

The group said the Environment Agency had issued a beach warning for Shaldon on 10 April.

A FORT spokesperson said: "This is a significant incident that has been continuing for nearly three weeks, including over the Easter school holiday, one of the busiest times of the year for tourism.

"We are pleased that the Environment Agency and South West Water are working to resolve this but incidents like these are very damaging to our local communities in Teignmouth and Shaldon."

Follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@bbc.co.uk.