A protest has been held outside the South East Cornwall MP’s office over raw sewage going into rivers and the sea.

Campaigners gathered outside Conservative Sheryll Murray’s office in the centre of Liskeard on Saturday.

Among the protesters were concerned residents, environmentalists, artists, musicians, wild swimmers, kayakers, paddleboarders and canoeists.

The protesters unveiled a mock blue plaque as part of a national move to highlight all the MPs who, in October, blocked amendment 45 to the Environment Act 2021.

The activists said this amendment would have required water companies to “demonstrate improvements in the sewerage systems and progressive reductions in the harm caused by untreated sewage discharges”.

A spokesman for Extinction Rebellion South East Cornwall, which organised the protest, said: “The blue roundel in this instance does not signify positive deeds by a person of note.

“Instead, it highlights the fact that Sheryll Murray, along with other Conservative MPs, failed to act in a timely manner to resolve an issue that is damaging the aquatic environment beyond repair.

“Rivers are being used as open sewers and a free refuse facility by water companies, landowners and careless individuals that litter or flush more than just pee, poo and paper down the loo.

“Activists, open water swimmers and those who care for nature and want rivers and bathing waters to be clean and free from sludge, slime and stench are becoming increasingly agitated by the inaction from Government on this issue.”

The spokesmen also criticised South West Water for its record on pollution incidents.

He continued: “Everyone can help alleviate the situation by preventing litter and other objects from getting into sewers and not flushing items such as wet wipes and sanitary towels, even if labelling suggests they can be.

“But substantial investment in upgrading of the sewerage infrastructure will be required of South West Water before rivers and our coastline can be brought back to health.”

The Voice was contacting Mrs Murray seeking a comment.