This past weekend’s ‘Red Flag’ sewage warning on Exmouth beach has become too common of a sight. The negative effect on local wellbeing, business and tourism has been palpable, and I have deep concerns that our area is starting to gain a national reputation for all the wrong reasons.

Since being elected in July, I have kept to my word and prioritised finding the fastest but most long-term solution to sorting out the sewage situation we find ourselves in.

Over the last month I have met with South West Water (SWW), the Environment Agency and a range of local businesses and landowners to establish consensus on how best to move in the right direction.

Due to multiple burst sewage pipes in recent weeks, SWW are conducting a full investigation into their sewage network across Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton.

I have now called on SWW to bring forward structural engineering funds to start upgrading and enhancing their network across Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton. Most importantly, I have told SWW that to start rebuilding trust with their customers, which is at a historic low, they need to get straight to work. Having spoken with the CEO of SWW, Susan Davy, I was encouraged to hear that she understood the sheer anger felt in the community and that she is now prepared to allocate funds to start on the much-needed upgrades.

Although this is the right move by SWW, there needs to be a visible plan so that all local people can hold SWW to account on delivery, as well as seeing improvement.

I have let SWW know that once their investigation across the wider local network is complete (circa 3 weeks), they need to communicate their new delivery plan.

To that end, I will be getting in touch with all local councillors from affected areas (Town, District and County) to arrange an in person briefing session with SWW. There will also be an opportunity for representatives of local business and activist groups etc. to attend a briefing session.

The best way to move forward is to move as one. By collectively working together at the local level, we can get the local results we need.

I will also be working in Parliament to ensure that national legislation is effective, and that regulators have the teeth needed to bite down on underperforming water companies.