Southsea beachgoers warned after water quality ranked 'poor'

In better times it was a popular site

Beachgoers have been warned about swimming on a popular stretch of seafront.

A section of Southsea's coastline has been classed as having poor water quality by the Environment Agency (EA).

The poor rating will mean that signage advising people against bathing will be placed in the area.

It follows fears over an imminent poor classification, which kickstarted an investigation involving Southern Water and the EA.

The Southsea East bathing site, which is a popular section near the pier, had previously been classified as sufficient by the EA.

Possible causes of declining water quality include Southern Water's sewage outfalls, contaminated groundwater, the council's coastal defence work or possible leaks from the pier.

Portsmouth City Council had previously said that while sewage releases by Southern Water are an "obvious" concern, there are no overflows in the immediate area and that coastal defence work started after the deterioration in water quality began.

The council added that it is possible there are several factors affecting water quality, adding that more work will be needed to resolve the issue.

A city council cabinet report described bathing water sites as "important assets" for the local economy and residents' physical and mental health.

The report also said that the council is aware that the downgrading of Portsmouth's water is "likely to negatively impact the city".

The nearby Eastney bathing site has also had its classification downgraded from excellent to good.

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