Raw sewage discharge reported on beach beneath Walton Pier

Graham Mestre spotted a sewage pipe leaking raw waste on to the beach beneath Walton Pier during his morning walk.

He took pictures of the scene and sent them to Tendring Council.

Discharge - another angle of the raw sewage leaking from a pipe

Mr Mestre said: "There has been a big discharge of sewage from under the pier. There are lots of wet wipes and other forms of rubbish running towards the sea."

Resident Carole Smith said she was “appalled” by the situation, which was first reported two weeks ago.

She said: "It is absolutely appalling that this has been allowed to go on for so long with little or no repercussions.

"Environmental Health needs to act immediately and stop this waste from further polluting our waters."

Simon Middleton, who lives in Walton, said he was angry about the situation.

He said: "This is disgusting and should not be happening. So many people swim in the sea in the morning and don't want to see this, let alone swim in it.

"And why are people flushing wet wipes anyway? That shouldn't be happening either."

Leak - sewage running from the pipe and under the pier

Tendring Council environment boss Adrian Smith said the council and Environment Agency were aware of sewage discharging on to the beach.

The council says the sewage is coming from a nearby residential building and is nothing to do with the pier.

“The council is taking formal enforcement action requiring the building’s owner to take the necessary steps to prevent any further discharges,” said Mr Smith.

“Investigations are still underway and Tendring Council is unable to provide any further detail while this formal legal process continues.”

Leak - sewage running from the pipe and under the pier

Walton councillors Ann and Pierre Oxley have stayed in regular contact with Tendring Council over the reported sewage leak.

Mr Oxley said: “We have been in regular contact with Tendring Council, who are on the case and are taking action to address this issue.

"We understand residents’ concerns and the importance of protecting our seafront and coastal environment. We will continue to follow this up with the council and keep residents fully updated as further information is confirmed.”

A previous Walton beach sewage leak was attributed to a privately owned property in September 2023, when officials advised people to avoid contact with the water.