Flags warning against swimming at a north Norfolk beach remain in place for a third day on the bounce.
A ‘pollution risk forecast alert’ from the Environment Agency (EA) brought the flags to Wells-next-the-Sea on August 2, now on August 4, the red ‘do-not-swim’ warnings, which were placed by North Norfolk District Council (NNDC), remain at the beach.
NNDC said it was "awaiting further guidance" from the EA about when the flags could be removed.
Duncan Baker, MP for North Norfolk, added: “The red flags are just a precaution because of the extremely high tides this weekend and follow a projection created by the Environment Agency over the potential impact on water quality.
“The Environment Agency and Anglian Water have confirmed they are not sewage-related.
“With heavy rain and high tides, we are seeing more water runoff giving increases in natural bacteria readings. I understand this is caused by runoff from the salt marshes in Holkham and Wells.”
An EA spokesman said: "These forecasts are based on rainfall, wind and tidal patterns and alert people when water quality may be poor.
“Throughout the bathing season (May to September) the Environment Agency will issue warnings of any forecasted pollution risk on its Swimfo website.”
It follows red flags being put up at Mundesley Beach for around 24 hours in July.
The beach is owned by the Holkham estate, with a spokesperson adding: “Every day, the Environment Agency carries out seawater sample checks across the country, one site being Wells-next-the-Sea.
“Based on these results, together with ten years of data capture, weather forecasts and tide activity, the Environment Agency creates a Pollution Risk Forecast for each location.
“If the forecast predicts elevated bacterial readings, then the RNLI will change the colour of their flag to red and a sign will go up advising visitors against bathing. The bacteria at Wells is natural and related to the salt marshes and ‘wash off’ of bird/animal faeces. It is not related to raw sewage.
Wells is in the midst of its carnival week, which culminates in 'carnival day' featuring a parade on Saturday (August 5).
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