Campaigners angry over sewage pollution are set to take to the water in Teignmouth as part of a weekend of protests and events aimed at raising awareness of the issue.
Protesters will gather at Teignmouth Pier on Saturday, May 16 for a “Paddle Out” demonstration organised by Surfers Against Sewage before water users head into the sea.
Martin Wrigley MP and Stuart Reynolds, chair of Friends of the River Teign, are expected to address the gathering.
Penny Lloyd, a Teignmouth town councillor helping to organise the event, said: “We hope as many sea swimmers, paddle boarders, surfers, rowers, kayakers and anglers will join us to demand faster action to prevent sewage dumping on local beaches.”
Campaigners say the action follows concerns over pollution affecting the area, including a recent incident at Gales Hill during the Easter holidays.
Stuart Reynolds said: “Teignmouth has recently been affected by a significant pollution event at Gales Hill over the recent Easter holidays.
“We want to send a clear message that sewage pollution is no longer acceptable.”
A second event will take place on Sunday, May 17 when Exmouth campaigner Jo Bateman visits the town for a screening of documentary Jo in the Water at Pavilions Teignmouth.
The film follows Ms Bateman’s journey from lone campaigner to speaking before crowds in Parliament Square while challenging sewage pollution and South West Water.
The screening has been organised by Friends of the River Teign and will be followed by a question-and-answer session with Ms Bateman and the film’s director Pip Piper.
Tickets and information about the screening are available from https://www.pavilionsteignmouth.org.uk/events/jo-in-the-water
Friends of the River Teign campaigns for the health and biodiversity of the River Teign, its estuary and surrounding coastline.
