Jonathan Webster, of The Close, Holcombe, writes:

May Day started off well enough and the occasional showers did not deter us from a walk along the sea wall from our home in Holcombe towards Teignmouth. The steep and narrow Smuggler's Lane takes us down to the end of the railway tunnel and under the line to the walkway.

Now anyone can be caught out by a sudden downpour and we were caught in it but hats and waterproofs offer some protection. It got worse so we turned back to Smuggler's Lane to take us home.

Negotiating the narrow walkway under the railway line was difficult as it was inches deep in water flowing down from the lane. It smelt foul and part way along it became obvious why – the sewer inspection cover at the end of the Lane had been forced off and a fountain of raw sewage was covering the road and pouring downwards to the sea.

It was too late to turn back and escape via Teignmouth; we had no option but to tackle Smuggler's Lane in our attempt to reach Teignmouth Road.

The smell became ever more foul as we waded through ankle deep sewage covering the entire width of the road. Half way up the lane there was another filthy fountain discharging its load on to the road – this time accompanied by all manner of disgusting items generally consigned to the lavatory pan. Mouths covered, feeling thoroughly sick and with a soaked dog covered in sewage it had not been our most enjoyable walk.

Such an occurrence is patently a serious health hazard as it was to us and the discharge of this raw sewage into the sea must surely be contrary to some regulation.

All this on the very day that we received the highest bill I have yet encountered for sewage services from South West Water.THIS AND OTHER LETTERS IN OUR ONLINE EDITION