CAMPAIGNERS against sewage pollution are heading to Teignmouth this weekend for two special events designed to raise awareness of the need to tackle sewage pollution.

On Saturday protestors will be gathering at the Pier on Teignmouth’s seafront as part of a series of national “Paddle Out” protests organised by Surfers Against Sewage.

Stuart Reynolds, chairman of environment group Friends of the River Teign will address the meeting, before water users take to the sea.

Penny Lloyd, Teignmouth Town Councillor who is helping to organise the event, said: ‘We hope as many sea swimmers, paddle boarders, surfers, rowers, kayakers and anglers will join us to demand faster action to prevent sewage dumping on local beaches.'

On Sunday, Exmouth campaigner, Jo Bateman, who is currently suing South West Water, will be visiting Teignmouth for a special screening of Jo in the Water at the Pavilion’s Teignmouth.

This documentary shows her starting out as a lone campaigner on a journey that leads to her addressing a huge crowd in Parliament Square.

Friends of the River Teign has arranged the special screening to be followed by a question and answer session with Jo herself and the film’s director, Pip Piper.

Stuart explained: ‘Teignmouth has recently been affected by a significant pollution event at Gales Hill over the recent Easter holidays

‘We want to send a clear message that sewage pollution is no longer acceptable.’

The recent pollution incident at Gales Hill was initially reported by members of the Friends of the River Teign.

Water testing by the group indicated very high levels of E.coli.

The discovery led to an alert being issued by the Environment Agency against bathing at Shaldon beach.