THE STENCH of sewage which has hung over much of Crediton during the last two weeks is the result of a failure at South West Water-owned Crediton sewage treatment works.

However, the failure at the works has had a far more devastating effect than just causing a bad smell.

Pollution from the works has been seeping into the River Yeo, where dozens of fish have been killed and much of the river is lined with sewage.

David Pope, chairman, Crediton Fly Fishing Club, said it was "a major incident".

He continued: "Quite a long stretch of the River Yeo is now dead.

"I have been taking out dead fish and seen a huge raft of sewage fungi in the area downstream of Codshead Bridge, where water from the treatment works joins the river.

"It has obviously been polluting the river for some time and I have reported it to the Environment Agency.

"It is quite a major incident and it stinks that South West Water are not telling anyone about it.

"I understand the works at Crediton are closed and that SWW are tankering away the effluent.

"It is a catastrophic failure and it is terrible for this to happen.

Mike Dunning, senior press officer with the Environment Agency, told the Courier: "The Environment Agency is investigating the temporary failure of Crediton sewage treatment works.

"The site is owned and operated by South West Water.

"The Agency and water company are working together to bring the treatment works back into full operation as soon as possible with the minimum disruption.

"The source of pollution has been stopped and Agency officers are on site monitoring progress and providing the water company with advice.

"The failure has caused pollution in the River Yeo and contributed to the death of several dozen fish.

"The pollution has affected approximately 500 metres of the River Yeo.

"Agency officers are investigating the extent of any environmental impact on the river.

"Local angling clubs have been notified and are being kept informed of developments."

Mr Dunning confirmed that between 30 and 50 dead fish had been removed from the river to date.

Becky Moran, communications officer, with South West Water, told the Courier: "We are working with the Environment Agency which is investigating reports of a number of dead fish found in the River Yeo.

"We are currently tankering partially treated effluent away from Lords Meadow Sewage Treatment Works, Crediton, while we improve the performance of a part of the treatment process and to absolutely minimise any discharge to the River Yeo from the site, while these investigations are ongoing.

"We will also continue to support the Environment Agency and interested parties in the catchment area until the situation is resolved.

"Hot weather and low river levels are factors that can influence fish mortality.

"To this end South West Water is also working with the Environment Agency in other locations, where possible, to provide water from our reservoirs to boost river levels.