REPAIR work to a damaged sewer pipe at a popular seaside destination is “a lot more complicated than originally thought” a water company has conceded.

Engineers from Northumbrian Water have worked “tirelessly” for over a week to repair the damaged pipe at a car park near Saltburn beach, with work continuing this week.

The pipe was damaged by contractors working on behalf of the local council at the Cat Nab car park, causing sewage to spill into the sea.

Northumbrian Water has built a mini treatment works at the site, to help even further minimise the impact on the environment, while the repair on the pipe takes place.

However, there is no public health risk.

The Northern Echo: Emergency repair work is underway on the pipe that is spilling onto the beach and into the North Sea at Saltburn. Pictures: SARAH CALDECOTTEmergency repair work is underway on the pipe that is spilling onto the beach and into the North Sea at Saltburn. Pictures: SARAH CALDECOTT

Read more: Pictures as effort underway to stop sewage spill at Saltburn beach

A spokeswoman for the water company said: “The repair is proving a lot more complicated than originally thought, due to a combination of the location of the pipe, its depth underground, and the specialist fittings required for it.

“The team are currently digging almost five metres into the ground to expose the pipe and assess what fittings are needed for the fix.

“Once this is done, these fittings will need to be manufactured specially.  Work in the riverbed also needs to take place, which will require the watercourse to be dammed and diverted, and the team continue to work on the repair as a priority.

“The mini sewage treatment works, which was built from scratch by engineers on Saturday, is helping to protect the environment while this work takes place.

“This bespoke facility is treating as much of the flow as possible from the pipe, before returning it to the environment. This is the first time the water company has built a pop-up treatment works like this on this scale, and so quickly.”

People have been urged to avoid the area and not to swim in the sea while the repair work takes place.

Read more: No public health risk after damaged Saltburn sewage pipe

Northumbrian Water is working with the Environment Agency and Redcar and Cleveland Council.

“While customers’ services have not been affected by this issue, Northumbrian Water understands the impact it has had for people living and visiting the area, and thanks the public for their cooperation while they do everything they can to get the pipe fixed as soon as possible,” added the Northumbrian Water spokeswoman.

The Northern Echo: Northumbrian Water is working to fix the issues “as soon as possible” and the area affected has been cordoned off by Redcar and Cleveland Council. All Pictures SARAH CALDECOTTNorthumbrian Water is working to fix the issues “as soon as possible” and the area affected has been cordoned off by Redcar and Cleveland Council. All Pictures SARAH CALDECOTT

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