Creosote found in beach pollution investigation

Blyth beach at low tide, looking back to the beach from the water. Colourful huts line the beach and a man with a red top runs along the promenade. The huts are reflected in the water and the sky is very blue.

Image source, PA MediaImage caption,

The Environment Agency identified creosote when investigating a pollution report at Blyth Beach (stock image)

ByDan HallNorth East and Cumbria

Published16 minutes ago

People are being urged not to bathe at a beach after creosote was identified in a pollution investigation.

In August, members of the public were urged not to swim at Blyth South Beach in Northumberland after reports of "oil like pollution" and a fuel smell.

Laboratory tests confirmed the substance as creosote, with investigations suggesting the cause as an ex-timber treatment works operating on land adjacent to the affected area until about 1980, Northumberland County Council said.

The council, Environment Agency (EA) and Port of Blyth said they were working to respond to the ongoing pollution, and restrictions remain in place on the land between Blyth West Pier and the Dave Stephens Centre.

An EA investigation has found the pollution is contained within an area of the beach near the Hole in the Wall, where it is seeping into the sand through contaminated groundwater.

The council said the public health risk was low, but urged people to keep their dogs away from the affected area of beach and water and to avoid contact themselves.

It is not yet known how long the clean-up will take, but it has been described as a "significant" piece of work.