THE renowned River Teign shellfish could be threatened by pollution from a stream that feeds the estuary.

A housing estate at Kingsteignton suffers from raw sewage backing up through drains and manhole covers during heavy rain.

Residents of River Close claim the waste could run into a nearby brook, which has alarmed shell fishermen.

Their oysters and mussels have a high reputation and are in demand by many upmarket restaurants.

Any hint of pollution could seriously harm the industry.

Pressure is being put on South West Water to carry out urgent remedial work on the drainage system, but the company maintains nothing can be done until 2015 at the earliest.

Teignmouth shell fisherman Peter Full, who is a member Teign Musselmen's Society, said he viewed any threat of pollution in the estuary with 'huge concern'.

'Our mussels and oysters are famous for their taste and purity, and any sort of pollution would be a huge blow to us.

'We certainly support all efforts to persuade South West Water to ensure this problem with the stream is dealt with as swiftly as possible.'

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