Northumbria Water issue statement on Teesside coast sewage spill

The Environment Agency issued a statement on Tuesday (June 30) advising swimmers to avoid most of the Teesside coast after a burst pipe leaked sewage into the water.

Northumbria Water say "there is potential that this was caused by a third party".

Hartlepool, Seaton Carew, Redcar, Marske and Saltburn are all affected as temperatures are due to heat up into the weekend.

Surfers Against Sewage protest at Saltburn by the Sea. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

A spokesperson for Northumbrian Water said: "On Friday (June 26) we were made aware of a burst on our Cargo Fleet sewage main near Dockside Road in Middlesbrough.

"Our teams attended quickly to assess the damage and carry out investigations.

"There is potential that this was caused by a third party, but our teams are working around the clock to find a solution and carry out repairs.

The areas affected by the sewage spill. (Image: THE ENVIRONMENT AGENCY)

"Since then, they have been working around the clock to carry out repairs.

"Because of the damage to the main, sewage in the system has backed up, and we have needed to carry out very controlled, heavily diluted discharges through our storm overflow in Redcar.

"Our teams have been carrying out regular sampling and environmental monitoring and are also on-site carrying out beach cleans.

"This is not a decision we have taken lightly, but it is our only option to protect customers from the devastation that can be caused by internal sewage flooding.

"As a precaution, the Environment Agency have advised against swimming in Redcar and Hartlepool beaches.

"Our teams will continue to work hard on site, and we are working closely with the Environment Agency as well as the local authorities and landowners, in order to resolve this as quickly as possible.

"We understand the frustration this will cause and would like to thank customers for their patience."

Alec Brown, Labour leader of Redcar and Cleveland Council, said previously: "I am extremely disappointed that residents and visitors have been advised not to bathe at our beaches because of a sewage incident.

"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 Environment Agency's advice must be taken seriously, and I would urge everyone to avoid bathing at the affected beaches until it is confirmed that the water is safe again.

"Residents deserve clean, safe bathing waters, and I will continue to press for answers and keep the public informed as the situation develops."