A concerned grandfather-of-four is calling on district officials to increase beach users’ awareness of water quality by putting up more visible signage.

Sidmouth Herald: Mr King thinks signs displaying water quality should be bigger for visitors to see.Mr King thinks signs displaying water quality should be bigger for visitors to see. (Image: Archant)

Lawrence King said information should be more prominent after a notice was put up earlier this month advising people not to swim or paddle as there was an ‘increased risk’ the sea near Jacob’s Ladder was affected by pollution.

Sidmouth resident Lawrence said it would be bad for the town if someone was to become ill, as visitors and townsfolk alike could be unaware of information notice boards.

He added: “It’s the last thing they’re [beach-goers] looking for, they’re expecting it to be good. If people are coming from the Belmont Hotel, nobody will see it as they are approaching the beach.

“It’s not good for Sidmouth’s main beach to have dirty water. People have got to have more knowledge than that. You cannot make people read notices.”

An EDDC spokeswoman said a warning was issued by the Environment Agency on September 15 as the water might be ‘adversely affected’ by heavy rain. The sign was put up by an officer, but was not removed the following day.

The spokeswoman added: “However, the correct sign, advising that the water quality has been classified as good, is now displayed.

“The temporary warning sign is part of a much larger permanent beach information notice board, of which there are three on Sidmouth seafront. The signs are required and approved by Defra and are consistent with every other authority in the country.”