Bathing Waters Listed As At Risk Of Pollution

'80% Of Region's Beaches Affected'

- ELLIOT BALL

THERE were warnings that Plymouth Hoe, Firestone Bay and Wembury were all potentially contaminated with raw sewage on Saturday, with the two beaches among 91 areas in Devon and Cornwall having received a "sewage pollution alert" or a "pollution risk forecast or incident alert" by Surfers Against Sewage.

The two beaches were included on a list of those which were considered a pollution risk - the vast majority of the 115 they monitor. Across the Tamar, Kingsand, Cawsand, Downderry, Millendreath and East Looe were also listed as pollution risks.

SAS monitors water quality across 115 beaches in Devon and Cornwall, meaning roughly 80% could be polluted. According to SAS, a pollution alert means "storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours".

Meanwhile, a "pollution risk forecast or incident alert" means there is potential for sewage to be in the area. Both Plymouth Hoe and Firestone Bay have been listed as a pollution alert.

It comes despite Firestone Bay being officially designated as bathing water after a campaign by Plymouth Sutton and Devonport MP Luke Pollard.

The recognition ensures the water quality is regularly tested by the Environment Agency and made publicly available.

The campaign was launched by Mr Pollard in January 2022 after reports of sewage being routinely discharged into seas and rivers across the country.