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Warning to stay out of water at 22 Welsh beaches including popular North Wales spots
@Source: dailypost.co.uk
People across Wales have been warned not to go into the water at 22 separate beaches across the nation, following pollution discharges. They include two popular locations in North Wales, at Barmouth and Aberdaron.
Surfers Against Sewage, which is one of the United Kingdom’s leading marine conservation charities, has warned that these sites have had sewage discharged into them within the last 48 hours, as people look to get away for Easter, with beaches across Wales a possible destination.
Through its “Safer Seas & Rivers Service”, the charity provides real-time information about the water quality at 600 locations across the UK, and warns if the water is safe to enter or not, reports WalesOnline.
In its latest data, the charity has revealed that there has been sewage discharge into 22 Welsh beaches in the last 48 hours. These include popular sea bathing spots like Tenby, Saundersfoot, New Quay, Langland and several others.
The charity has previously explained how “everything we flush down the loo or wash down the drain that is released into the environment through sewer overflows, or that washes off the land and roads."
These are the beaches that have had sewage poured into them in the last 48 hours:
Llanfairfechan
The charity stated: “Pollution Alert: Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours. Llanfairfechan is situated on the North Wales coastline, 9.5 kilometres to the east of Bangor. It is a long sand and pebble beach, with a concrete promenade running the length of its rear. Behind the promenade are shops, cafes, houses and the main North Wales railway line. The coastal waters are designated under the Menai Strait and Conwy Special Area of Conservation, in addition to the Traeth Lafan Special Protection Area and a Site of Special Scientific Interest.”
The charity stated: “Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours. Aberdaron lies within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and its beach is a mile long sandy bay at the end of the LlÅ·n Peninsula. There is lots to explore including sea caves and an abundance of rock pools, with the coast path leading to small beaches in both directions. Windsurfing, kayaking and sailing are popular activities as are boat trips, including summertime trips to Bardsey Island from nearby Porth Meudwy.
“A haven for wildlife, Bardsey Island is a National Nature Reserve and a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Aberdaron has local cafes, restaurants and a sailing club. The village hosts an annual sailing regatta and coastal heritage is celebrated in the popular LlÅ·n Coastal Festival. Nearby, the National Trust owned Plas yn Rhiw country house dates from the 16th century, the house and gardens offer stunning views across Cardigan Bay.”
The charity stated: “Pollution Alert: Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours. The long sandy beach is situated below a rocky outcrop on the north bank of the Mawddach Estuary, with the seaside village of Fairbourne situated on the opposite south bank. The bathing water lies within the Lleyn Peninsula and the Sarnau Special Area of Conservation.
“To the south of the beach is the Mawddach Estuary Site of Special Scientific Interest, whilst the hillside behind the beach is designated as the Barmouth Hillside Site of Special Scientific I
Cycle Network and the traffic free trail from Barmouth to Dolgellau along the Mawddach Estuary offers spectacular views.”
New Quay North
The charity said: “Pollution Alert: Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours. This is a small sandy cove to the sea-ward side of the harbour wall. At low tide the beach extends to approximately 120m wide with golden sand exposed. Within the catchment of New Quay North bathing water, there are numerous storm, emergency and surface water outfalls that discharge into the coastal streams. This location is covered by Pollution Risk Forecasting.”
New Quay Harbour
The charity stated: “Pollution Alert: Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours. Facing north east and located within the waters of Cardigan Bay, New Quay Harbour is backed by steep limestone cliffs and the town of New Quay. The beach is small, sandy and sheltered by the harbour wall.
“The coastal waters and coastal belt are designated as the Cardigan Bay Special Area of Conservation and Aberarth Cerreg Wylan Site of Special Scientific Interest, confirming the high conservation status of the area. The water quality sample point is located to the centre of the beach.”
Traeth Gwyn New Quay
The charity stated: “Pollution Alert: Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours. Facing north and located within the waters of Cardigan Bay, Traeth Gwyn is a sandy cove, backed by steep cliffs. Traeth Gwyn is potentially impacted by numerous sewer and surface water outfalls within the main freshwater rivers particularly during heavy rainfall.”
Newport North
The charity stated: “Pollution Alert: Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours. Newport North is a wide, sweeping and sandy beach measuring some 1.5 km in length. Facing north west out into the Irish Sea, the beach is backed by a golf club and agricultural land. A relatively new sewage treatment works discharges biologically treated sewage effluent via the long sea outfall, some 700m from the coast into Newport Bay.”
The charity stated: “Pollution Alert: Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours. Abermawr is a small cove in Pembrokeshire, which is popular with both tourists and residents alike. The shingle beach is backed with marsh and woodlands which all make up Abermawr Site of Special Scientific Interest, and is also part of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.
“The beach is popular with bathers and also surfers. Abermawr is owned by the National Trust and is accessed by a narrow single track, with only a few parking spaces along the road. If you’re planning to visit, check out the tide times to make sure you’ve plenty of beach to play on and that you don’t get cut off by the incoming tide! Also, Preseli Venture have a live webcam looking right down to the beach so you can check the weather too before you head out. There is no wheelchair access to this beach. Be careful of the path leading to the beach. It can be slippery when wet and is eroding in places. Very limited on the roadside above the beach. There are no litter or dog bins provided, please help keep Aber Mawr beautiful and take your litter home.”
Newgale Beach
The charity stated: “Pollution Alert: Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours. Newgale is a long stretch of sand at the northern end of St Brides Bay. A steep pebble bank backs the beach and it is enclosed by shale cliffs and agricultural land.
“The beach is within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and the coastal area is designated as a Marine Special Area of Conservation. There are no sewer overflows discharging directly onto the beach here, however other discharges from the surrounding area may affect bathing water quality especially after heavy rainfall.”
The charity stated: “Pollution Alert: Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours. The beach stretches approximately 600 metres and is made up of a mixture of shingle and muddy sand, facing south east towards the Milford Haven Waterway.
“The land surrounding the bathing water is predominantly agricultural, with some private dwellings in the vicinity. At low tide, access to the water can be made difficult by mud. Dale Beach forms part of the Pembrokeshire Marine Special Area of Conservation, confirming the high conservation status of the area. The bathing water also lies within Pembrokeshire Coast National Park”
Sandy Haven
The charity stated: “Pollution Alert: Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours. A relatively well kept secret, Sandy Haven Beach is approximately 800 metres and yet is often sparsely populated in comparison to some of Pembrokeshires more famous beach resorts.
“It is mostly rocky with a decent stretch of reddish-gold sands at low tide and is a great spot for explorers and wildlife enthusiasts. Sandy Haven Beach is an estuary bay. As a result, it does not receive clean waves or decent swell rendering it a no go zone for adrenaline sportspeople who wish to spend their time surfing or kitesurfing. This location is usually safe for swimming but does sometimes suffer from farm run off. There is not much in the way of facilities at Sandy Haven Beach other than a car park for around 30 spaces or so. It is free, located looking over the bay at Sandy Haven Camping Park on the eastern side of the bay near Herbrandston.
“Take the narrow country road from Hebrandston to Sandy Haven Beach and you will find the car park for the beach signposted to the left. From the car park, you can follow the grassy footpath along the headland through the Camping Park or walk along the roadside to reach a concrete slipway onto the beach.”
The charity stated: “Pollution Alert: Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours.This sheltered beach is a small stretch of sand, measuring approximately 250 metres in length, with limestone rocks on either side. Located within Milford Haven Waterway, the bay is positioned just west of its larger neighbour, Angle Bay.
“The land surrounding West Angle is predominantly agricultural, with an oil refinery 4 kilometres east of the bay. The coastal waters form part of the Pembrokeshire Marine Special Area of Conservation, confirming the high conservation status of the area. The bathing water also lies within Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.”
Castle Beach Tenby
The charity stated: “Pollution Alert: Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours. Castle Beach in Tenby is a picturesque sandy cove nestled between the medieval Tenby Castle ruins and St. Catherines Island. During low tide, the beach expands significantly, revealing golden sands and providing ample space for sunbathing, beach games, and leisurely strolls.
“The waters are calm and clear, making it an ideal spot for swimming, paddling, and exploring rock pools. The beach is easily accessible from Tenby town, with stunning views of the Pembrokeshire coastline and nearby islands. Its a popular spot for both locals and tourists, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and historical charm. Toilets, cafe and museum/art gallery on Castle Hill. Numerous cafes, pubs and restaurants, many interesting shops and a good choice of hotels, caravan parks, B&Bs and self catering in Tenby.”
Saundersfoot
The charity stated: “Pollution Alert: Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours. A beautiful, sandy expanse of gently sloping sand, backed by a shingle ridge with Saundersfoot harbour at the southern end. Discharges from sewer overflows can occur nearby and affect water quality, especially after heavy rainfall.”
Coppet Hall
The charity stated: “Pollution Alert: Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours. This beach is gently sloping and wide, with a pebble bank on the high tide mark. Spanning approximately 850 metres of the Pembrokeshire coast line, the bay is backed by a combination of agricultural land, domestic properties and small holiday homes. Coppet Hall Beach also forms part of the Carmarthen Bay Special Area of Conservation, confirming the high conservation status of the area. The bathing water also lies within Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.”
The charity stated: “Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours. The sandy beach is long, sweeping and slopes gently, which on a low tide can result in the sea being some distance from the shore line. Pembrey is one of the UK´s longest beaches, stretching over 11 kilometres, backing onto the Pembrey Country Park. The beach is located within the Carmarthen Bay and Estuary Special Area of Conservation.”
Langland Bay
The charity stated: “Pollution Alert: Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours. Langland is a wide and sandy bay with pebbles and rocks on either side. It is backed by a promenade with cafes, beach huts, limestone cliffs, and a golf course. Langland Pumping Station has an overflow, which can discharge to a point just above mean low water.”
Limeslade Bay
The charity stated: “Pollution Alert: Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours. Limeslade is a small and tidal cove, found on the south east of the Gower peninsular. On a high tide the beach is almost non-existent and pebbly, but on a low tide, the sand is exposed, along with numerous rock pools. Limeslade Pumping Station has an emergency overflow, which can discharge to the west of the beach.”
Bracelet Bay
The charity stated: “Pollution Alert: Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours. This is a small cove on the south Gower coast, west of Mumbles village. The gently sloping beach is a mixture of sand and rocks, backed by a bank of pebbles and limestone cliffs. Mumbles Sewage Pumping Station has an emergency and sewer overflow approximately 1.3 kilometres from the water quality sample point, which can discharge off Mumbles Head, but only at certain times of an ebbing tide.”
Rest Bay (Porthcawl)
The charity stated: “Pollution Alert: Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours. A bay and beach located near Porthcawl. It is long and sandy and popular with surfers, there are two surf schools operating here so if you want surf lessons, give it a go!”
Sandy Bay (Porthcawl)
The charity stated: “Pollution Alert: Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours. Sandy Bay near Porthcawl is a wide, sandy, gently sloping beach with views out to the Bristol channel.”
Trecco Bay Porthcawl
The charity stated: “Pollution Alert: Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours. A large, sandy beach with limestone cliffs on either side, the sand slopes gently to the sea and is fringed by a shingle bank at the high tide mark. There are numerous sewer overflows that can impact water quality including overflows at Irongate Point, Newton Point and Newton Bay. There are also sewer overflows discharging into the river Ogmore and its tributaries near Trecco Bay.”
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