Anger over sewage pollution spotted in St Ives Bay

THERE is growing anger after yet more sewage pollution blighted one of Cornwall's seaside towns.

- by OLIVIER VERGNAULT

Stinking scum was first reported in St Ives harbour and further out in the bay on Thursday, April 17, a day after torrential downpours swept across the county.

A large expanse of effluviant waste was seen on the water just outside the town’s harbour at around 9.30am by a local boatman as he prepared to start a day of trips.

Andy Narbz, who runs Tiger Lilly Boat Trips, said he saw tampons, tissue and human faeces in the “brown sludge” and said it “absolutely stank”

Fellow resident and boat owner John Chard posted on social media: “Just a warming to all who maybe follow me and may be coming to St Ives: be very careful at the moment if you are swimming around St Ives as there is a major sewage problem and several people have become unwell.”

The previous day several sewage pollution alerts were issued by St Agnes-based environmental campaign group Surfers Against Sewage following the heavy rain.

However, South West Water (SWW) said it had taken water samples from St Ives harbour which showed no traces of sewage.

A spokesperson said then: “The pumping station is working as expected and there have been no storm overflow spills in the area.

“We encourage anyone who spots a potential pollution to contact us by calling 0344 346 2020 or report it on our website.”

Two days after the torrential downpour there was growing anger in the West Penwith area after what appeared to be sewage was again spotted in St Ives Bay, including in the scenic harbour itself.