Protest over sewage at Falmouth Gyllyngvase Beach in Cornwall

It was organised by Jo Curd, owner of Longe Cote UK, based at Gyllyngvase Beach in Falmouth, on the back of yet after another waste spill alert only this week.

Earlier this month she told the Packet how constant waste spills into the sea off Falmouth were destroying her business on the blue-flagged beach. At one stage at the beginning of September there were 11 waste water spills in just eight days.

But following Tuesday’s spills, where she again had to move her classes, she called for people to join her for a protest on Gylly Beach - and join her they did, with placards, posters and plenty of voice.

Arabella and Arlo Long at the protest with Donna Becket

Jo told the Packet she wanted to keep the message in the public eye that enough was enough when it came to sewage dumping.

She said: "I wanted to keep the pressure on and keep people passionate about it. We can change the law and how South West Water runs.

"There's such a strong community here and that's what it's all about – the community."

Various people gave speeches, including Falmouth deputy mayor Kirstie Edwards, Falmouth Gig Club chairman Nick Maxted and Labour party candidate for Truro and Falmouth Jayne Kirkham. MP Cherilyn Mackrory was invited but was unable to attend, however she sent details of what the government planned to do to tackle the issue.

Many of those attending also came forward to share their experiences and add their voices to the campaign, including eight-year-old Arabella who said: "It is not right for the water company to dump sewage."

A wry look at some of the 'swimmers' that it is feared could be found in the sea

After the protest a group of synchronised swimmers took to the water for a 'Splashmob'.

Earlier this month South West Water apologised after Gyllyngvase Surf Lifesaving Club was forced to postpone its Endless Summer Swim due to a sewage alert.

The firm said: "We're committed to making the environment better, we've already added 215,000,000 litres of storm water storage and created 40 additional sewage treatment works over the last 18 years, and we have more commitments as part of WaterFit."

Plenty of people brought placards

In June Ofwat, the water company regulation body, announced it had opened a case against South West Water in its investigation into how wastewater companies manage their water treatment works.

Chief executive David Black said at the time: “The serious concerns we identified last year prompted our initial focus on five companies. As we analyse more data on storm overflow spills, our concerns have grown further about South West Water’s operation of its wastewater assets and environmental performance. We have opened an additional enforcement case into South West Water.”

See a full report of the protest tomorrow online at thepacket.co.uk and in this Wednesday's Falmouth Packet newspaper.

A large number of protestors gathered