Residents fear a repair to a leaking sewage pipe in Walton is already breaking down.
More than a month ago, Graham Mestre spotted raw sewage leaking from a pipe on to the beach beneath Walton Pier during his morning walk.
He immediately reported it to Tendring Council, which contacted the Environment Agency.
The council said the sewage came from a nearby residential building and had nothing to do with the pier.
On Tuesday, Tendring Council said an investigating officer found no sewage or toilet paper at the scene.
The Environment Agency advised the Gazette to contact the local water company.
But Anglian Water, which runs the town’s sewage network, directed us to Tendring Council.
Tendring Council environment boss Adrian Smith previously said: “The council is taking formal enforcement action requiring the building’s owner to take the necessary steps to prevent any further discharges.
“Investigations are still underway and Tendring Council is unable to provide any further detail while this formal legal process continues.”
The repair, made with an unidentified type of foam, is reportedly breaking down as sewage trickles through.
Mr Mestre said: "That foam is gradually melting. At the moment it is only letting sewage water out but it won't be long before it lets go and the build up of solids will come flying out."
Walton town councillor Pierre Oxley believes the pipe is an Anglian Water overflow pipe.
He said: "We are working with Tendring Council on this - and it's not an easy case.
"Senior officers, who we are in regular contact with, have assured us categorically that action is being taken.
"We will continue to monitor the situation."
A previous Walton beach sewage leak in September 2023 was attributed to a privately owned property, and officials advised people to avoid contact with the water.
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