Sewage pipe repair hits swimmers

The seafront at Rhyl attracts thousands of visitors each year

Repairs to a burst sewage pipe have not been completed due to "unforeseen issues," says Welsh Water.

The firm had hoped the work at Rhuddlan Treatment Works in Denbighshire would be done by Tuesday, and now hopes to be finished "as soon as possible".

Denbighshire Council has warned people not to enter the sea at Rhyl, although the Environment Agency said the water met mandatory safety standards.

Tests at the nearby River Clwyd showed poor quality, the agency said.

The council put up red flags and warning signs at Rhyl and has called for reassurances a similar incident would not happen again.

The Environment Agency is monitoring water quality and is leading the operational response with Welsh Water.

The agency said tests conducted on bathing waters along Rhyl seafront on Saturday and Sunday showed the water met mandatory safety standards.

They are still awaiting the results of tests carried out on Monday.

Denbighshire Council took the decision to close the area to swimmers after tests in the River Clwyd showed poor quality.

Denbighshire cabinet member for regeneration David Thomas said the council was disappointed the incident happened so close to the summer holidays.

He added: "This is the second time in the past six months for a sewage leak to happen in the same area and we want answers to why this has happened and what steps will be taken to make sure it doesn't happen again."