SEASIDERS raised concerns over what they described as a "bio-hazard" after a sewage-like substance was found to be leaking onto an award-winning beach.

Walton Beach fell victim to a leaky drain on Thursday, with residents reporting seeing sewage being pumped across a pathway not far from Walton Pier.

In a video seen by the Gazette, the murky looking water can be seen streaming from an overflowing manhole.

One resident, who asked to remain anonymous, was left extremely concerned after witnessing the liquid spilling onto the seafront sands.

Clacton and Frinton Gazette: Overflow - Sewage spilling onto Southcliff Promenade Picture: Lorne SpicerOverflow - Sewage spilling onto Southcliff Promenade Picture: Lorne Spicer (Image: Lorne Spicer)

Speaking to the Gazette they said: "It’s absolutely disgusting and people, children and dogs are all walking through it and it’s running straight onto the beach.

"It’s a bio-hazard and I’m disgusted environmental health and the council haven’t sorted it or at least closed it off."

The leak comes after Walton's Albion Beach was announced as a winner of Keep Britain Tidy's prestigious Blue Flag and Seaside Awards for 2023.

Blue Flags were presented to just 14 beaches in the east, including Walton’s Albion Beach, Dovercourt Bay, Brightlingsea and Frinton.

A spokesman for Anglia Water said: "We are aware of an overflowing manhole on Walton, along Southcliffe Promenade, which is owned by a third party and not Anglian Water.

Clacton and Frinton Gazette: Overflow - The sewage leaking onto a beach in Walton Picture: Lorne SpicerOverflow - The sewage leaking onto a beach in Walton Picture: Lorne Spicer (Image: Lorne Spicer)

"While it is not an Anglian Water pipe, we care about the environment as much as our customers do and so our teams are helping to prevent any further flow from the manhole in the immediate term, working closely with Environmental Health and the Environment Agency.

"And we're providing guidance to the private owner to ensure they resolve the issue fully to prevent any further impact."

Bosses at Tendring Council have since said the overflowing pipe is an issue which the owner of a private building needs to address.

A Tendring Council spokesman said: “We are aware of this issue, which is caused by a problem with a nearby privately-owned property.

“We had already raised this with the owner, and our Environmental Protection team has served a notice to ensure repairs are made.

“Working with partners we will clear up the site as best we can; and we would recommend people avoid contact with the water.”