Slurry leads to water quality warning in Portrush

Signs have been put up at the beach

Visitors to Portrush's East Strand have been advised not to go into the water because of the quality of the water.

The council said it was a precautionary measure after it received a report that slurry had been washed onto the strand on Wednesday night.

Signs have been posted along the promenade alerting the public.

Researchers from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) have been at the beach taking water samples.

In a statement, Causeway Coast and Glens Council said it was advised by Daera's marine and fishery division of a report of slurry being washed onto the East Strand from a culvert on Wednesday night.

As a precautionary response, council staff have put up signage at the site to advise against bathing and have engaged directly with local water users.

Daera is taking water samples to check bathing water quality.

The council said the advice would be updated on Friday.

Daera carried out water testing

Andrew Hill, who owns Troggs surf shop in Portrush, said the signs would not stop him going into the water.

"Generally here on the north coast the water quality is great," he said.

"I've been surfing here 45 years and the water quality used to be a lot worse than it is now. "

Ashleigh Hawthorne was hoping to surf at the strand

But it has put others off.

Ashleigh Hawthorne, who is in Portrush to visit her parents for Easter, said she was planning on going surfing on Friday.

"I won't be going in now if there's any sewage in the water," she said.