Dear South West Water,

I am a 72-year-old Exmouth resident and have, for the last 12 years or so, been swimming in the sea virtually every day until... this year.

I and other swimmers go in the sea early in the morning. We enjoy the fresh sea and air, the calm and the nature around us.

We always come out of the water smiling, bantering, always having had fun, feeling great and thinking how lucky we are to have this on our doorstep until... this summer.

I also like to take my granddaughters to the beach where they spend their time in and out of the water having fun and enjoying exploring the beach until... this summer.

I haven’t taken them once. It’s not safe.

Swimming in the sea is part of my/our daily routine. An early dip in the sea keeps us active and healthy and through.

We have made lots of likeminded friends. This has greatly benefitted our mental health and social wellbeing.

This summer, a great number of people decided not to come to Exmouth because of our polluted beach.

This has impacted our hotels, cafes, restaurants, shops and all those who rely heavily on the short tourist season.

This has impacted my life too preventing me from swimming and having some precious family time on the beach.

So, South West Water, when are you going to do something and invest in some much needed adequate sewage treatment for our growing town instead of putting money in your shareholders’ and directors’ pockets?

Do you care at all?

Sincerely,

Danielle Stoakes.

This letter was also sent to East Devon District Council, the Exmouth Journal and David Reed, the MP for Exmouth and Exeter East.