A £2 million scheme to deliver even cleaner seas off Combe Martin, which started in September 2014, has been successfully completed in time for the start of the official bathing water season.

To improve bathing water quality at Combe Martin, South West Water has constructed a 325 cubic metre underground storage tank in the parish council coach park and a 300 cubic metre underground storage tank in the Glen Lyn car park.

The additional storm water storage capacity in the sewerage network and other improvements will reduce the number of storm discharges into the River Umber during extremely wet weather.

Mike Court, Senior Project Manager on the scheme said:

“In total, the work represents a £2 million investment in bathing water quality in the area, which will benefit the tourism industry in Combe Martin. We believe that, with the help of the local community, this major investment will help deliver even cleaner seas for Combe Martin, in time for the new European bathing water standards.

“The Combe Martin Clean Bathing Water Group and the Environment Agency are also working hard to improve bathing water quality.”

The work is among £20 million of schemes South West Water is currently completing to further improve bathing water quality at Lyme Regis, Teignmouth, Torbay, Mothecombe, Seaton (Cornwall), East Looe and Combe Martin in preparation for the European Union's revised Bathing Water Directive.