In one of the largest protests of its type, organisers estimate that between 400 and 500 protesters gathered on Teignmouth seafront at the weekend to demand action to stop sewage pollution.
The gathering at the Pier on Teignmouth’s seafront was part of a series of national “Paddle Out” protests organised by Surfers Against Sewage. Martin Wrigley MP, and Stuart Reynolds, Chair of the Friends of the River Teign addressed the protest, before water users took to the sea.
Penny Lloyd, a Teignmouth Town Councillor who helped organise the event, said, “It was very moving to see so many sea swimmers, paddle boarders, surfers, rowers, and kayakers join us. This was the largest anti-sewage protest we have seen in Teignmouth.”
Martin Wrigley MP stressed the need for the Government to do more to address the problem, pledging to carry on pressing for change.
Stuart Reynolds said, “It was inspiring to get in the water and be surrounded by a community of water users with the same simple demand – clean water, now.”
The protest was part of a weekend of events designed to raise awareness of the problems caused by sewage pollution in beaches and rivers. On Sunday, Exmouth campaigner, Jo Bateman, who is currently suing South West Water, attended a sell out screening of “Jo in the Water” at the Pavilions Teignmouth.
