• Shocking new research reveals sewage monitors in the region have been broken for two years running

New analysis of Environment Agency data by the Liberal Democrats has revealed a rise in broken sewage monitors in the South West Region. 

In 2021 there were 186 faulty monitors in the South West of England. This rose by a staggering 67% year-on-year, to 276 faulty monitors in 2022. 

The new analysis by the Liberal Democrats even found a rise in broken sewage monitors for swimming water. In 2021, 31 sewage monitors for designated bathing water status were found to be faulty. However this has increased to 37 faulty monitors in 2022. 

Popular swimming water areas across the region with broken sewage monitors include Dawlish Beach, Paignton Sands, Plymouth Hoe and Lynmouth Beach.

Water companies are required to fix sewage monitors if they are not working, yet analysis has found over 60 sewage monitors have been broken for two years running. 

Former Leader of the Liberal Democrats and the party's Environment spokesperson will visit the River Frome, which has four sewage monitors found to be faulty last year. 

Liberal Democrat Environment Spokesperson Tim Farron MP said: "This is a national scandal. The South West is home to Britain's beautiful beaches, lakes and rivers. Millions of people flock every year to the region to enjoy clean swimming water in the summer holidays. This new research reveals we have no idea just how polluted our precious swimming water is.

"All of these sewage monitors must be fixed before the summer holidays begin. Families have the right to know if the water they are swimming in is clean and safe. 

"South West Water's behaviour is shameful. They have paid out huge dividends and bonuses whilst not even bothering to fix broken sewage monitors. They should hang their heads in shame"

Liberal Democrat Candidate for Somerton & Frome, Sarah Dyke said: "The River Frome must be protected at all costs from disgraceful sewage dumps. I am shocked to discover that sewage monitors along the river are in fact broken. The river could be far more polluted than we first feared. 

"It is time the Environment Secretary visited Somerset and saw the sewage pollution for themselves."