Environmental and community groups from Budleigh and Exmouth gathered outside South West Water's roadshow on Tuesday (April 2).

People came from Friends of the River Exe, Transition Exmouth and  Surfers Against Sewage, Exe kitesurfers as well as numerous Budleigh residents concerned about the water quality and leaks.

The group were met with praise from visitors attending the roadshow, including Devon County Councillor  Christine Channon and independent candidate Frankie Rufolo, who said "Sewage pollution will ruin tourism " 

South West Water held a roadshow similar to this one at Exmouth Town Hall on February 20 which was also met with protesters. Read more Exmouth: Hundreds protest against sewage pollution.

Exmouth Yarnbombers lent Friends of the River Exe a wall hanging decorated with knitted and crocheted sea creatures. Carol Joy of Transition Exmouth said: "We humans aren't the only ones who swim in the sea."

The figures for sewage spills in the South West was published a few weeks ago. Read more Sewage spills from storm overflows in the South West in 2023

Angela Ashwin of  Quakers for a Healthy Planet said: "People are angry, they've had enough of empty promises and bla bla."

One protester, Kerri said: "It's scandalous that SWW are claiming that no-one has the right to swim in the sea. All the visitors to the roadshow were very supportive of the protesters, many  gave us a thumbs up or said "Well done!" as they went in."

Protesters said: "Some members of the public who were sent away were very angry that South West Water chose the Venture Hall, which is tucked away,  small and little unknown, and held the event on a Tuesday when few people could attend. 

"They should do public events in public, where everyone can see them."

Kate Stanley said: "We need fast track investment, not whitewash roadshows."

In response to this, South West Water said: “The views of all our customers matter hugely to us and we fully respect the rights of those who wish to protest peacefully. We are listening and know we have more to do. The purpose of events like our Community Roadshow in Budleigh Salterton earlier this week (2 April) was to hear directly from customers and provide the opportunity to discuss any concerns they may have.

“We are investing to help deliver improvements in our environmental performance, and will continue to do all we can to protect our region’s seas and rivers.”