Public told not to swim at popular Scottish beach after sewage pipe fault

Bathers have been told to keep out of the water until the issue is resolved. (Image: NQ)

THE public have been warned against bathing near North Ayrshire's coast after two recent sewage discharges.

Water engineers are investigating two faults near Saltcoats and Ardrossan, in pipelines carrying waste from Saltcoats Sewage Pumping Station.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) say signage has now been erected to warn potential swimmers against entering the water.

It's not yet clear when the area will be deemed safe again for bathers, but SEPA say water quality testing is ongoing.

Engineers have now identified two faults near Saltcoats and Ardrossan. (Image: NQ)

A spokesperson for SEPA said: “SEPA has been informed by Scottish Water of another pollution incident potentially affecting Saltcoats bathing water caused by a fault in a nearby rising main pipeline downstream of the previous burst near Saltcoats Sewage Pumping Station."

The authority said Scottish Water were attempting to carry out repairs to the sewer network and had to make an "emergency, temporary discharge" of screened sewage to the sea at Stevenston.

Continuing, they added: “SEPA officers will carry out water quality testing at the bathing water, inspections of the beaches and continue to be in contact with Scottish Water and North Ayrshire Council to monitor the situation closely.

“Signage at Saltcoats has been updated to advise against paddling or bathing and will continue to reflect this guidance until we are satisfied there is no risk.”