United Utilities confirm sewage discharges on three Merseyside beaches including Southport

People are being warned not to swim in the sea at three Merseyside beaches following reports of sewage discharges in the area.

United Utilities confirmed to ITV Granada Reports that there had been sewage discharges at Moels, Moreton and Southport beaches.

The company said this was a safety measure to prevent sewage backing up in people's homes.

The Surfers Against Sewage also reported sewage discharge alerts on 24 July. This was after heavy rainfall in parts of Merseyside.

A spokesperson for United Utilities said: “The North West experienced exceptionally heavy rain over the weekend and as a result some storm overflows operated as they are designed and permitted to.

“Storm overflows operate when there has been very heavy rain and combined sewers are inundated with rainwater.

"At these times, overflows act as a safety valve that stops sewers backing up and flooding homes and businesses.

“We are committed to delivering a step change in performance to reduce the operation of storm overflows.

"We have already achieved a 40% reduction since 2020 but we know there is more to do and we are planning a £3 billion programme of work across the North West to tackle the issue.

"We have been granted approval to fast track £1.5 billion of environmental improvements over the next two years."

Source ITV