South West Water sparks outrage among locals after removing 114-year-old rusty sewer pipe in Exmouth

South West Water has sparked outrage among locals after the removal of a 114-year-old rusty post that had become a highly unlikely tourist attraction.

The pipe – which stood 7.5 meters above the ground and leaned slightly to the right – was first installed in 1909 in the Maer Local Nature Reserve to help with the drainage of wastewater in the area.

But in recent years, it’s been attracting visitors from all over the country thanks to its multiple Facebook groups and glowing Google and TripAdvisor reviews.

Last year, an explorer wrote in their Google review, ‘It’s good to see Exmouth keeping its rusty post in its authentic rusty condition.

‘So many rusty posts in other locations have been ruined by gentrification (and paint), but this remains a rare and traditional seaside attraction. I was impressed, don’t miss it if you’re visiting the area.’

The pole was first erected in 1909 and has become a staple of the Exmouth community with many people coming from all over the country to see it

But on April 13, the post was removed by South West Water without any warning or public consultation.

Speak against ITVthe water company confirmed that they were responsible for removing the pole.

The statement claimed they “agreed to remove it after concerns were raised at a council meeting about the structural integrity of the pole and the risk to public safety”.

However, the decision has sparked outrage online – many felt locals should have been consulted.

A disappointed visitor, leaving a Google review, angrily wrote: ‘Totally devastated that the rusty post has been removed.

“Explaining to a toddler (who is obsessed with rust) that we’re going to see a rusty post, only to discover it was removed two days earlier, is up there with root canal.

“I’m not sure how we can save the rest of this holiday now.”

As a result, Exmouth’s Rusty Pole Society is now fighting to bring the pole back into use.

Before the pole was removed, Google reviews gave it five stars and told other tourists to visit it if they had the chance

Press officer Mike Menhenitt told Femail: ‘I took my dog ​​for a walk along the pole on (April 12) Wednesday evening and he was there.

“I drove past it on Thursday morning and it was gone, so somehow they managed to get it out of the ground and out of the way in that fairly short amount of time.

“It’s a big pole, it went at least 10 feet underground and was about 25 to 30 feet above the ground.

“It seems like some strange clandestine operation to remove it. We want answers, it feels like a cover. Why can’t they just be transparent about why it was taken.

“Generations of children have played around that pole.”

Mike and the Exmouth’s Rusty Pole Society are currently campaigning for the pole to be relocated.

South West Water have both been approached for further comment.