TEIGNMOUTH Town Beach was one of four beaches in Devon and Cornwall to have its water quality classification sink from ‘excellent’ to ‘good’ this year. 

This comes after most beaches in Devon and Cornwall broke records for water quality standards. The Environment Agency stated: ‘For the second year running, our 148 monitored bathing beaches in Devon and Cornwall have broken records for water quality standards. Most beaches met the highest international standards for water quality cleanliness where we bathe. Our beaches and coast help define the fabulous South West.’

However, Teignmouth Town Beach has been subject to a number of sewage discharges throughout the year, culminating in a demonstration held in the town in October.

Concerning Teignmouth’s deteriorating record, an Environmental Agency spokesperson said: ‘At Teignmouth, we continue to work with Teignbridge Council to improve water quality at Teignmouth Town. We are carrying out investigations into the cause of elevated bacteria numbers in samples taken at Teignmouth in August.’