East Devon District Council has passed a vote of no confidence in a water company after major pipe failures and sewage overflows into the sea.
The council voiced its concerns to South West Water after a series of pipe failures in Exmouth in December 2023 led to sewage entering the sea and reports of swimmers falling ill.
The subsequent repair works and tanker movements then caused ‘extensive disruption to residents’, according to the local authority.
The council passed the motion of no confidence, with 46 votes for and two abstentions, at its full council meeting on Wednesday.
Commenting on the vote, a spokesperson for South West Water said: ‘We were disappointed to hear about the motion passed by East Devon District Council. We will continue to do everything we can to deliver ongoing improvements and to address the concerns of our customers in light of the recent bursts in the area.’
