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Cornwall Beach Pollution Fears Over Flood Defence Plan
14 Jul
Summary
- Flood defence plan to widen stream sparks pollution concerns.
- Over 680 residents signed petition against the scheme.
- Environment Agency refutes claims of increased flood risk.

A proposed £17 million flood resilience project in Portreath, Cornwall, has raised significant concerns among local residents. The Environment Agency's plan involves widening the stream that runs through the town.
However, more than 680 people have signed a petition opposing the scheme. Their primary worry is that the widened stream could allow sewage from combined sewer overflows to enter the waterway, eventually reaching the town's beach and negatively impacting wildlife and bathing water quality.
The Environment Agency has responded to these claims, stating they do not recognize the assertions that the project will increase flood risk, harm bathing water quality, or neglect environmental considerations. The agency maintains that the scheme is designed to enhance flood resilience.