Anger after children swam in sewage-tainted Lancashire sea

Parents have joined an MP to express their disgust after a burst pipe released raw sewage into the sea in Lancashire where children later swam.

Cat Smith, MP for Lancaster and Fleetwood, said United Utilities (UU) had one of the worst track records for sewage discharges.

The excrement was released into the Irish Sea on Monday after a thunderstorm caused problems, UU said.

People on Blackpool beach said they had been into the water without knowing.

"I would never have gone in if I had known," said one bather, while another added "I feel minging".

A mother gasped with horror when informed about the sewage and said: "My children have swallowed that water."

UU said untreated sewage mixed with rainwater was released from its water treatment plant in Fleetwood as a problem with a burst pipe was compounded by the sudden deluge of rain.

People bathing in the water along the Fylde coast said they were unaware of the sewage

The company said it was carrying out urgent repair work to the pipe.

On Tuesday, Blackpool Council, Fylde Council and Wyre Council advised the public not to swim at certain beaches until further notice

Ms Smith told BBC Radio Lancashire: "I think like everyone else I'm absolutely disgusted.

"United Utilities has a dreadful track record for pumping raw sewage not just into our seas but rivers and waterways."

The Labour MP added: "They are one the worst offending water companies for pumping raw sewage out while their bosses get huge salaries and massive bonuses with the bill-payers having to pick up the tab. I'm furious.

"I'm glad they are monitoring water quality and that they have fessed up but I am still livid."

The Fylde Coast was contaminated with sewage on Monday evening

A United Utilities spokesman said: "We are committed to delivering a step change in performance, having reduced the operation of storm overflows by a third since 2020, and we know there is much more to do.

"We have ambitious plans to deliver one of the largest environmental improvement programmes in the country.

"We now have approval to fast-track that and begin to deliver £900m of improvements early."