THE council in Newquay has unanimously passed a vote of no confidence in South West Water (SWW) following its record on sewage spills.

Newquay Town Council has joined 24 other Cornish town and parish councils in signing up to the Dowr Glan clean water campaign.

The councils plan to petition the government for the sewage and water system to be transferred to a public-owned organisation and managed as a public service.

The public gallery was packed with people who were keen to see Newquay Town Council sign up to the Dowr Glan clean water campaign.

The council chamber heard evidence that the Newquay coastline was impacted by more than 700 hours of sewage last year, whilst shareholders received a “£133-million payout” despite “record bills” and “government intervention.”

Resident Colette Holden said: “On the Surfers Against Sewage app it shows historical data for the six combined sewage overflows that Newquay has and the number of spills has jumped around fourfold for each of those since 2010.

“As residents, we all feel like, we don't have an awful lot of leverage over South West Water apart from withholding our bills, which could lead to being taken to court, so we don't want to do that.”

A surf instructor added: “The number of lessons that I’ve had to cancel, the amount of risk I've had to take having to choose between whether to keep customers and myself safe and healthy, or losing out on a day's pay.

“This is a situation not just me, but hundreds of water sports instructors in this town are being put in every season, every year.”

The motion put forward by councillor Steve Slade stated the town council has “grave concerns” about the “systemic failure” of South West Water to manage the sewage system in Cornwall.

He said: “We need a water service that prioritises the Cornish environment, the local economy and public health over the private profit of shareholders.”

Councillor Justine Taylor added: “A unanimous vote is such a victory and shows what the town wants, a water company fit for purpose.”

Mayor Cllr Drew Creek said: “As the premier holiday destination of Cornwall and the UK surf capital, South West Water is not only risking a huge impact on our tourism economy but on the health and wellbeing of our residents and visitors alike by almost constantly pumping sewage into our oceans.

“It is clear action needs to be taken, and investment needs to be made, South West Water have proven themselves not fit to run our water services.”

A South West Water spokesperson said: “We recognise concerns about water quality in Cornwall, and we continue to work proactively with councils through regular bespoke briefings to explain our local plans and deliver improvements.

“We’re investing £760-million to tackle storm overflows and have reduced spills by 17 per cent in the last year, with spill duration down by 25 per cent.

“We know there is more to do but the data shows the plan is working."