Northumberland County Council has updated its advice on bathing at Blyth South Beach following a possible fuel or oil spill, allowing bathing to resume on a section of the beach south of the Dave Stephens Centre.
Investigation into strong-smelling substance
The Environment Agency was alerted to the pollution incident after reports of a "strong-smelling substance" that had been "forming a sheen in pools of water and on the sand". At 5.10pm on Tuesday, August 11, the agency logged the incident on its water quality website, prompting advice for visitors to avoid bathing in the area while investigations continued.
Samples were collected from Blyth South Beach to learn more about the substance and its potential risks. In a statement on Thursday, an Environment Agency spokesperson said: "We are continuing to investigate this incident and have taken samples for analysis. As a precaution, we are urging people, particularly dog owners, to avoid the affected area until we know more about the substance and any potential risks."
Bathing advice updated
In an update shared on Friday, a council spokesperson wrote: "Following sampling and a review of the available information, the bathing water advice at Blyth Beach has been updated. Bathing can now resume South of the Dave Stephens Centre."
The Environment Agency, Northumberland County Council and Port of Blyth continue to work together to investigate the situation, with further samples being analysed as a priority. The precautionary advice remains in place for the affected area, and visitors are asked to follow the signage and advice in place.
"We know the restrictions have been particularly challenging for local residents, visitors and businesses, and we’re pleased that bathing can now resume in part of the beach. We’ll provide a further update when more information is available."
