Increase in sewage spills 'a disregard of public health'

MP CLAIMS GOVERNMENT IS TURNING A BLIND EYE

- WILLIAM TELFORD

THERE was a huge increase in sewage spills in Plymouth last year, new data reveals. Figures show there were more than 3,000 sewage spills during 2023 with MP Luke Pollard accusing South West Water of “utter disregard” for people’s health.

The Labour MP for Sutton and Devonport also said the Tory Government is “turning a blind eye to raw sewage dumping,” after the sewage spills in Plymouth rose by 29%. According to analysis of new Environment Agency figures for 2023, 15,239 hours of sewage was pumped into rivers and seas from storm outflow sites in Plymouth from 3,268 spills – an average of nine spills a day.

Across the South West, there was an 83% increase in total hours spilled from 58,249 discharges. Mr Pollard said: ‘’The levels of raw sewage being recklessly pumped into our rivers, lakes and seas is sickening. Despite South West Water bosses claiming they are addressing the issue, sewage spills have soared to unprecedented levels.”