Swimmers warned to avoid sea due to sewage leak
BBCUntreated sewage has been discharged into the River Tees and swimmers have been warned to avoid bathing nearby after a main sewer fracture.
The sewer at Smith's Dock Road in Middlesbrough has discharged waste affecting beaches in Hartlepool, Redcar, Saltburn and Marske.
Alec Brown, leader of Redcar and Cleveland Council, said he was "extremely disappointed" that residents had been advised not to bathe in the area.
Northumbrian Water, which has been contacted for comment, is carrying out repair work and Environment Agency (EA) teams are monitoring the impact.
Brown said: "Our coastline is one of Redcar and Cleveland's greatest assets, and people rightly expect to be able to enjoy it safely, particularly during the summer months.
"This situation is simply not acceptable."
The Labour council leader said the advice not to swim must "be taken seriously" and urged people to stay out of the water until it is confirmed to be safe.
The EA advised against bathing at Seaton Carew North, Seaton Carew Centre, Seaton Carew North Gare, Redcar Coatham, Redcar Lifeboat Station, Redcar Granville, Redcar Stray, Marske Sands and Saltburn.
An EA spokesperson said its officers were taking independent sampling and inspections at the site.
Coatham ward Labour councillor Carl Quartermain said it was essential that residents get "full clarity" about what has happened.
"Residents are rightly concerned following the recent sewage discharge incident affecting bathing waters across the Tees coastline," he said.
"We need to know how much untreated sewage has entered the system, and what the environmental impact has been."
