SAS inundated with calls from children and lifeguards now sick

The Environment Agency has confirmed that a failed pump and alarmed system was at fault for a raw sewage leak that was detected by Environment Agency officers at Trevaunance Cove on Wednesday 6th August.

Although the fault was rectified by South West Water staff later that day the Environment Agency fear that the levels of algal growth in the stream were indicative of raw sewage running for a considerable time.

Today, Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) has been inundated from parents whose children have fallen ill - all of whom were bathing and swimming at Trevaunance Cove on Wednesday. Most our suffering from vomiting (gastro instestinal) and this is a virus that can often be caught in sewage contaminated water.

A lifeguard also on duty on Wednesday at Trevaunance Cove has also fallen sick with the same symptoms, raising concern at Carrick Beach Rescue about water quality in the Cove.

Richard Hardy, SAS Campaign Assistant says: "The village has been a victim of faulty pumps and failing alarm systems several times over the bathing season that is without doubt making bathing water poor. The levels of illness reported from those most vulnerable - the kids - is a serious concern to all and one that needs immediate answering from South West Water. SAS value the importance our beaches play in tourism and leisure but are now extremely concerned by what we are seeing in terms of the reports this bathing season linking illness with pollution incidents".

SAS are calling for a full public apology from South West Water for the fault on Wednesday and have also called for a statement from the company as to why contractors are consistently having to fix and maintain the pumping station.

For more information please contact Richard Hardy on 01872 553001

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