THE SOURCE of the significant sewage spill at Teignmouth has been identified according to the Environment Agency.

The pollution incident at Gales Hill, first reported by members of environment group Friends of the River Teign, has been ongoing for more than two weeks.

Investigations by South West Water and the EA have been ongoing since signs of sewage debris were seen flowing from a culvert into the river.

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

An alert was quickly issued following the incident warning against bathing in Shaldon on the opposite side of the River Teign which is the designated bathing beach likely to be affected.

Now the EA says it has found the source of the pollution.

An Environment Agency spokesperson said: ‘The source of the pollution has been identified as a leak from a foul sewer into a surface water drain, and South West Water are completing repairs.

‘We will remove our advice against bathing 24 hours after we have confirmation that the pollution has stopped.

‘Our officers have attended the site to take samples to support our investigation and we will not hesitate to take enforcement action is appropriate.’

A spokesman for SWW said: ‘We are working with the Environment Agency and our teams have completed repairs in Teignmouth. We are aiming to reinstate the road next week.’

Friends of the River Teign have welcomed confirmation that the source of the pollution incident at Gales Hill Teignmouth has now been identified.

The group had described it as a ‘significant incident’ which was very damaging to the local community as Shaldon Beach had been closed over the Easter holidays.

FORT said it reported the issue to the EA on March 29 after volunteers saw sewage and toilet paper flowing from a culvert into the river.