Sewage campaigner mermaid swims across Bristol Channel to raise …
A ‘mermaid’ swam along the Bristol Channel today to raise awareness of water pollution from sewage[1]. Lindsey Cole made her way across the waterway from Wales to England wearing a mermaid outfit and fin as part of her campaign about the issue, which she said has become a “sewage scandal”.
The author was not alone on her swim as she brought a “giant poo” along with her. Lindsey is also about to have her latest book – The Mermaid, The Otter and The Big Poo – published.
Lindsey made her way to Clevedon Pier[2] where she was greeted by a large crowd cheering her on. Many of the people who came to greet her were waving fish-shaped placards.
She was also welcomed by a large sculpture on the seafront which towered over her. Lindsey also got to play around with a dog in the water before she paddled off again.
Mermaid Lindsey Cole at Clevedon seafront (Image: Paul Gillis/SomersetLive)
Earlier today, it was revealed six water companies are facing legal action over claims they underreported pollution incidents and overcharging customers. Severn Trent Water, Thames Water, United Utilities, Anglian Water, Yorkshire Water and Northumbrian Water could end up paying more than £800 million in compensation if the cases are successful.
The issue has been highlighted this year by many after sewage discharges off the UK coast following heavy rain. A recent survey from the Liberal Democrats suggested 30 per cent of adults go sea swimming during the summer, but 23 per cent of these said they will not this year because of sewage dumping.
References
- ^ water pollution from sewage (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ Clevedon Pier (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ Homes evacuated and ‘loud pops’ heard as large fire rages at disused sports centre (www.somersetlive.co.uk)