Wessex Water have issued a response following Surfers Against Sewage’s claims of storm sewage being discharged into the sea.

Five beaches across Bournemouth, Boscombe and Christchurch had been marked with a ‘Pollution Risk Warning’ on an interactive map by environmental campaign group, Surfers Against Sewage (SAS).

However, Wessex Water have stated that sewage is not currently discharging into the sea and that there was no pollution.

Although the water company have confirmed that a storm overflow was in use at around 5am today to discharge ‘predominantly rainwater.’

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A spokesperson for Wessex Water said: “A storm overflow, which discharges more than half kilometre off the beach, automatically operated following rainfall early this morning. When this happens we notify Surfers Against Sewage and the council.

“Storm overflows are permitted by the Environment Agency and operate automatically, releasing mostly stormwater during or after intense rainfall to prevent flooding in people’s homes.

“We do not believe overflows are fit for the 21st century, which is why every month we’re investing £3 million on reducing storm overflows, starting with those that discharge most frequently or have any environmental impact.”

The pollution risk warnings were issued for Bournemouth Pier, Boscombe Pier, Hengistbury West, Christchurch Avon Beach and Friars Cliff, Christchurch.