David hosted an important meeting last night with representatives from South West Water, the Environment Agency, Clinton Devon Estates and ESCAPE representatives from Budleigh Salterton and Exmouth, as well as Town, District, and County Councillor from every political party. The meeting focused on ongoing pollution problems in Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton, the efforts to address these issues, and the planned works for the future to improve water quality and infrastructure.
This second water summit built on a similar meeting held in October 2024, the aim of the meeting was to get all the interested parties on the same page regarding water pollution and what is being done about it. Councillors were given information to share with residents on upcoming projects and expected improvements.
"Our communities in Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton have long suffered from inadequate water infrastructure, leading to pollution and environmental degradation. This meeting was a critical step toward ensuring that South West Water are held accountable for their commitments and to their customers. We must see tangible improvements that protect our environment and public health."
Key outcomes from the meeting included:
- Pollution Prevention and Mitigation: South West Water and the Environment Agency provided updates on measures being implemented to tackle pollution in both Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton, including ongoing efforts to reduce wastewater overflow incidents and improve coastal water quality.
- Planned Infrastructure Improvements: South West Water outlined the future plans for upgrading local water infrastructure, with specific focus on improving wastewater treatment systems and enhancing flood prevention measures.
- Flooding and Drainage Systems: Efforts to mitigate flooding risks, particularly in the coastal and low-lying areas, were discussed, with plans to upgrade drainage infrastructure to protect local communities from future flooding.
- Community Engagement and Updates: Local councillors were briefed on all ongoing projects and provided with materials to share with the community, ensuring that residents are kept up to date with the latest developments.
