SWIMMERS are being warned not to venture into the sea off a Leigh beach after its water quality was heavily criticised.

An Environment Agency inspection during the summer has led to the water at Leigh Bell Wharf being rated “poor.”

The beach is one of only ten across the UK rated as poor, and ultimately unfit for bathing.

Leigh’s Bell Wharf is near a busy working fishing community whose boats are believed to have disturbed the silt, which can have an effect on water tests.

Southend Council is disappointed, and will do all it can to improve the water level – but pointed out the impressive ratings of its other beaches.

Councillor Mark Flewitt, cabinet member for public protection, said: “It is clearly disappointing that the bathing water quality has declined at Leigh Bell Wharf.

“As a seaside resort, I do not underestimate the importance of clean bathing waters in attracting and sustaining visitors, so I am pleased to see the bathing water quality rated as sufficient, good or excellent on all other beaches in the borough.

“It should be noted that the water quality rating is based on an average of test results over a four-year period and so the reclassification is not necessarily a reflection of the quality of bathing waters as they stand today. Anglian Water has recently carried out substantial work on drainage connections in the area but it will take some time to see what impact this has on water quality.

“Our priority now must be to support the work of Anglian Water and The Environment Agency in tracing the sources of the bacteria and ensuring any necessary action is taken to bring the bathing waters back up to standard.”

To carry out the analysis of water quality, 20 samples are taken at each beach during the bathing season before they are tested in Environment Agency labs for E. coli and intestinal enterococci.

E.coli is well known for causing illness, with symptoms including cramps, diarrhoea and vomiting.

High levels of intestinal enterococci suggest a presence of human or animal faeces.