'Stinking farm slurry' pours onto beach

Swimmers have been advised against going for a dip at one of Cornwall's most popular beaches after an "agricultural" pollution incident.

Onlookers said they smelt the "absolutely stinking slurry" running down a stream onto the beach at Perranporth on Saturday.

The Environment Agency, which warned against swimming on its Swimfo page, said it was "monitoring" the situation.

The warning came as hundreds of swimmers celebrating the fourth anniversary of the national Bluetits sea swimming group were due to have a dip.

Perranporth is among Cornwall's most popular beaches

Adam Montgomery, who filmed the effluent running down the river, said it smelt like sewage.

He said: "It was like absolutely stinking slurry running down the middle of the village.

"I've been told that a slurry pit was breached in all the rain we have been having.

"I don't see how any fish could have survived.

"Perranporth is also a surfing hotspot, so it's really disappointing."

Swimmers have been advised against going in the sea

Hundreds of members of the Bluetits sea swimming group gathered at Perranporth on Sunday.

But some swimmers had chosen to go elsewhere because of the pollution, said organiser Sarah Walsh.

"I don't blame them, you can still smell it," she said.

"Some of us might just go in up to our knees and have a paddle."

She said she "felt" for the farmer who owned the slurry pit.

"We have had a huge amount of rain, but I point the finger at South West Water (SWW)," she said.

"It needs to get a grip and invest in the infrastructure to prevent runoff and pollution after heavy rain."

Sarah Walsh, left, with Sian Richardson, marked the Bluetits' 4th anniversary

SWW said it would not comment because its storm overflow at Perranporth had not been active since August, so any pollution must be down to agricultural runoff.

It also pointed out that Perranporth's sea water quality had been graded excellent for the past four years.

The Environment Agency said on X: "We are aware of a pollution incident at Perranporth beach and have had officers working on the river catchment.

"We are currently investigating this agricultural incident."

It added: "Bathing at Perranporth is not advised as it is likely water quality will be affected."

Bluetits join up for a dip