Plymouth MP Luke Pollard has criticised South West Water after swimmers were advised to stay out of the water at Plymouth Hoe.
The Environment Agency issued advice against bathing at both Plymouth Hoe East and Plymouth Hoe West on Thursday, October 1.
Luke Pollard, Labour MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, said the warning followed an Environment Agency inspection of South West Water’s central wastewater treatment works in Plymouth.
Mr Pollard said: “The Environment Agency has issued advice against swimming in Plymouth Hoe West and Plymouth Hoe East bathing waters.
“I’m appalled to hear the EA found several issues during an inspection of South West Water’s central waste water treatment works in Plymouth yesterday, prompting this notice against bathing at the Hoe.
“This is a dramatic failure of South West Water to protect our water quality. I have asked South West Water for urgent answers and a clear plan to put this right.
“I love swimming in the Sound but we should all take note of this serious warning.
“South West Water should be in no doubt that the Government is serious about ending the sewage crisis and if they can’t do it, then we will look at the new steps the Prime Minister announced only a few days ago to force them to do what is right.”
Conservative group leader Cllr Chris Wood has also criticised the situation.
He said: “These continued sewage leaks are unacceptable. Unfortunately we have built thousands more houses and simply don’t have the infrastructure or capability to cope.”
Plymouth Hoe East and Plymouth Hoe West are both designated bathing waters.
Photographs © Wayne Perry / Plymouth Post