Swimming ban at two beaches due to pollution

Beachgoers are being warned not to swim at two spots along the Ceredigion coast after an "abnormal" pollution incident.

Llangrannog and Cilborth beaches are both currently off limits, with signs posted at each alerting people to the problem.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) said it was alerted to discoloured water flowing from the river Hawen on to Llangrannog beach at about 08:00 BST on Friday.

A farmer reported he was trying to stop a slurry leak on his land and an environment officer was sent to investigate.

NRW has since declared an "abnormal situation" at both Llangrannog and Cilborth and Ceredigion council has informed people of a possible reduction in water quality as a result.

Dr Carol Fielding, team leader of NRW's Ceredigion Environment Team, said: "We have acted quickly to investigate and to make sure steps are being taken to stop the pollution at its source.

"We will consider the appropriate enforcement response to this incident after the investigation has finished."

Matthew Vaux, of Ceredigion council's cabinet, said: "We are working closely with our regulatory partners to ensure the public health risk from this pollution incident are controlled."

He added: "Members of the public can still swim with confidence at the nearby Tresaith and Aberporth beaches which are patrolled by RNLI Lifeguards between 10:00 and 18:00 daily through until Sunday 1 September."

NRW is continuing its investigation and has advised that the no-swim warnings will remain in place until Monday at the earliest.

The abnormal status will be lifted once the pollution has cleared from both the beach and the river.