Beachgoers heading to the Ayrshire coast this weekend are being urged not to enter the water at Ardrossan and Saltcoats as the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) continues to advise against bathing and paddling following an ongoing pollution incident.
The warning remains in place after another fault in a nearby rising main sewer pipeline resulted in an emergency discharge while repairs to the sewer network continue. SEPA says the incident has the potential to affect water quality and is continuing to monitor the situation closely alongside Scottish Water and North Ayrshire Council.
SEPA officers have been carrying out:
Water quality testing
Regular inspections of the beach
Ongoing monitoring of the affected area
Warning signs remain in place advising people not to paddle or bathe until testing confirms there is no longer any risk to public health.
The agency has stressed that the advice is precautionary and will only be lifted once it is satisfied the bathing water is safe again.
Anyone planning a visit to the coast is encouraged to check the latest bathing water updates before travelling, particularly during the busy summer season when water quality can change following pollution incidents or periods of heavy rainfall.
SEPA has confirmed it will continue to provide updates as the investigation progresses.
Have you changed your beach plans because of the warning? Let us know in the comments.