WATER bosses have unveiled plans to invest nearly £800,000 at some of Newquay and Crantock’s beaches to reduce sewage pollution incidents.

South West Water’s planned work will increase storm storage in the area and make improvements at local pumping stations to reduce the use of storm overflows.

The company says the investment will help protect the ‘excellent’ bathing water quality classifications at nearby beaches into the future and work to improve those currently classified as ‘good’, as assessed by the Environment Agency. 

Resident have raised concerns about the amount of sewage South West Water has pumped into Fistral, Newquay Bay, Crantock Beach and the Gannel.

Campaign group Surfers Against Sewage have stated the water company discharged sewage at Fistral for over 134 hours in 2023, which equates to over five and a half days of discharges.

Residents and businesses are invited to ask questions to a team of experts about the plans a SWW Community Roadshow event, which will be staged at the Mount Wise Community Centre on Tuesday, September 10 from 12pm to 4pm.

Experts will be on hand to talk about its planned investments, water resources and how it is working to reduce the use of storm overflows.

Dani Twelvetree, the head of customer communication and engagement at South West Water, said: “What our customers think matters.

“These Roadshows give us the opportunity to go over our investment plans and overall performance in a relaxed and open atmosphere. They are also a place where customers can talk to us face-to-face and voice their own questions and concerns.

“We look forward to visiting beautiful Newquay and getting to meet the local community who want to learn more about what we do.”

Residents have met with water bosses recently following concerns about the amount of sewage being pumped into Newquay’s coastline.

Alan Burrows, South West Water’s director of external liaison and Andy Pettifer, the company’s waste water operations manager, gave a presentation at Pentire Resident’s Association meeting held at the Pentire Hotel.

Anyone looking to attend the South West Water’s Community Roadshow can preregister in advance at Our roadshows | Get involved| South West Water