Parasite outbreak cases in Devon double to 46

Stephen Cole-Mansfield, a guesthouse owner in Brixham, said the parasite outbreak had “killed business overnight”.

“We are empty – it has been devastating, we are starting to ramp up for the season and we have no business,” he said.

“It has been badly portrayed, and it has affected the hospitality business across Brixham.

“It is in a small part of Brixham which doesn’t even affect us.”

Mr Cole-Mansfield said he had not received any information regarding compensation.

“This is a direct result of their under-investment, lack of testing and the fact we have a severely antiquated sewage system in the area which needs updating,” he said.

“It needs sorting out.”

SWW said affected customers would be given £115 in compensation and the amount available would be kept under review.

Sally Dart, who runs homewares shop Flotsam 50 near Brixham Harbour, said business was “probably 30 to 40% down” and the the situation was “appalling”.

“No-one was checking the quality of the water and we’ve all got sick and it’s stupid, really,” she said.