Hundreds join protest against sea water sewage dumping in Exmouth

Jo Bateman said she wanted compensation for not being able to swim in the sea at Exmouth

About 200 protesters joined a sea swimmer in her campaign against sewage spills.

Jo Bateman has been calling for cleaner seas due to what she said were "frequent sewage spills" by water company South West Water (SWW).

Mrs Bateman said she was "gobsmacked" by the amount of people who took part in the protest on Tuesday.

South West Water said it took its responsibilities in Exmouth "very seriously".

'Overflowing raw sewage'

Mrs Bateman took legal action in January against SWW for dumping sewage into the sea near her home, but said it was "not about the money".

"The total amount I'm suing for is £379. It's about the principle - I want them to compensate us for what they've taken away from us."

Mrs Bateman said she was unable to sea-swim, something she said was beneficial to her health.

"Right now they've been overflowing raw sewage in Exmouth since 7am since on 8 February, non-stop, 24 hours a day, and it's still happening now," she said.

'Fix the problems'

SWW held a roadshow in Exmouth as an opportunity to talk to its customers.

However, Mrs Bateman said it was a chance for the company to get "good PR and convince the local residents they're doing everything they can to fix the problems".

She has demanded change from the company and the government, and has called for an end to water company bonuses and shareholder dividends.

A South West Water spokesperson said the utility was investing £38m to reduce spills at Exmouth and that it took its responsibilities "very seriously".