Families are checking sewage alerts before heading into the sea as concerns grow over pollution at some of North Devon’s best-known beaches ahead of the bank holiday weekend.
North Devon MP Ian Roome has called for stronger action against water companies after attending a Surfers Against Sewage paddle-out protest in Croyde. The Liberal Democrats say designated bathing sites in England have been affected by more than one million hours of sewage spills over the past five years.
North Devon is home to beaches including Croyde, Saunton, Woolacombe, Putsborough, Combe Martin, Ilfracombe Tunnels and Ilfracombe Hele. Ian warned that more needed to be done to protect residents and visitors as warmer weather arrives and the bathing water season gets underway.
The official bathing water season runs from Thursday, May 15 until Tuesday, September 30, during which regular water quality testing is carried out at designated sites.
Environment Agency data showed designated bathing sites in England recorded 145,606 hours of sewage dumping in 2025, equivalent to 6,067 days. In the South West, South West Water reported 49,067 sewage spills between 2020 and 2025, lasting a total of 326,864 hours.
The Liberal Democrats are calling on the Government to make water companies report sewage spill volume rather than duration. The party has also renewed calls for Ofwat to be replaced with what it described as a stronger regulator capable of holding water companies to account.
Ian said: “North Devon has some of the most stunning coastline in the country, yet I’m hearing from families who are now checking for sewage spills before letting their children swim. Water companies simply are not being held to account.
“It was great to join local campaigners at the Surfers Against Sewage paddle-out recently in Croyde, and I know that local groups and campaigners have been working hard to keep pressure up on water companies and Government.
“We need far bolder action by the government: full transparency on sewage spills, closing the loopholes that allow water company executives to avoid bonus restrictions, and real accountability for polluters.
“I am calling on the Government to stop stalling, replace Ofwat with a regulator that has real teeth, and clean up our bathing sites in North Devon ahead of summer.”
