SWIMMERS have been advised to avoid two popular beaches in west Wales following a pollution incident. On Friday (Jul 12) Natural Resources Wales (NRW) declared an “abnormal situation” at the bathing waters of Llangrannog and Cilborth.
Ceredigion County Council, collaborating with NRW, has also cautioned the public against entering the water or the beach areas for their own safety until the signage, which has been erected at both locations, is removed. However, the council has assured that swimming remains safe at the nearby beaches of Tresaith and Aberporth.
The alert came after NRW received a report around 8am on Friday of discoloured water flowing from the Afon Hawen onto Llangrannog Beach. Shortly thereafter, a local farmer reported a leak from their slurry lagoon higher up in the catchment area.
An investigation by an NRW officer revealed that the farmer had already taken measures to halt the pollution at its source. In response to the incident, NRW declared an “abnormal situation” at both Llangrannog and Cilborth bathing waters.
As a result, Ceredigion County Council has posted signs to inform the public of the potential reduction in water quality due to the pollution, NRW confirmed. Dr Carol Fielding, team leader of NRW’s Ceredigion environment team, stated, “We have acted quickly to investigate and to ensure steps are being taken to stop the pollution at its source.
“In response to the environmental impact and considering the influence of tides, an abnormal situation has been declared at both Llangrannog Beach and Cilborth Beach. We will consider the appropriate enforcement response to this incident once the investigation is concluded.”
