Norfolk beach re-opens after fears of sewage leak

Anglian Water workers were on the beach on Thursday morning

A section of beach has re-opened after being closed due to fears of a sewage spill.

It was reported a section of East Runton beach in north Norfolk may have been affected by sewage coming out of a drain.

On X, North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) said: "The Environment Agency has given the all-clear for safe bathing and beach activities... residents and visitors can once again visit this beautiful Blue Flag beach."

The Environment Agency said there was a sewage leak and Anglian Water had attended the site "to resolve the problem and the overflow has stopped". The water company said its tests had shown there was "no impact on to the beach itself".

Sampling by Anglian Water has also taken place in the sea at East Runton

The Environment Agency said it would work with the council to assess any impact

The beach is owned by the council, but it said it was not responsible for the overflow pipe.

While the beach was closed as a "precautionary water safety warning", NNDC had advised people to stay away.

A surfer at East Runton, called Mark, said: "It's quite concerning, obviously. Going into the water isn't great with raw sewage in there.

"I used to be a member in Surfers Against Sewage... it's a consideration every time you go.

"Years ago I got very ill from surfing in the sea and that's obviously through what was in there, and you could see raw sewage floating in there. Recently it's been OK."

Jodie Granger-Brown said sewage "does not belong in the sea"

Also on the beach was Jodie Granger-Brown.

She said sewage in the water was something as a surfer she has had to "turn a blind eye to", because "otherwise you would never get into the water".

An area of beach was cordoned off, but it has since been classed as safe

Anglian Water said: "Our investigations found a minor sewer collapse and blockage on Felbrigg Road, further upstream.

"All of our tests have shown that this has had no impact on to the beach itself.

"The blockage has been cleared and our teams repaired the pipe last night. Further investigations to identify the source will continue today."

An Environment Agency spokesperson said: "North Norfolk District Council has closed part of East Runton beach due to a sewage leak. Anglian Water has attended the site to resolve the problem and the overflow has stopped.

"It is likely that the pollution will be naturally washed away by the high tides."