Toxic Creosote Forces Closure of Popular Northumberland Beach

A popular stretch of Blyth South Beach in Northumberland has been closed to the public following the confirmation of toxic creosote in the sand and water. The Environment Agency's laboratory tests verified the presence of the substance, prompting local authorities to urge visitors to stay away from the affected area.

Blyth South Beach, a 2.8-mile Blue Flag award-winning coastline, is a favored destination for families during the summer months. However, reports of a fuel smell and "oil-like pollution" surfaced in August, leading to initial advisories against swimming.

Creosote, a wood preservative derived from coal tar, contains toxic chemicals detrimental to both human health and the environment. Due to its confirmed presence, visitors are now advised not to swim or enter the water between Blyth West Pier and the Dave Stephens Centre.

"Current restrictions remain in place, and we are continuing to advise the public to not enter the affected area and to follow instructions on signs at the beach," stated Northumberland County Council. "Although we are no longer in the official bathing water season, advice against bathing for the affected section of the beach (north of the Dave Stephens Centre) is still in place."

Additional weatherproof signage will be installed to ensure the warnings remain visible throughout the winter. The pollution is suspected to originate from a timber treatment works that operated near the site and closed around 1980. Storms earlier this year are believed to have disturbed the shoreline, dislodging the contaminant and making it detectable.

The Environment Agency, Port of Blyth, and Northumberland County Council are collaborating to manage the situation. Cleanup options for the contaminated land are currently under assessment. The Environment Agency has initiated a regular water testing program to monitor quality along the beach.

While the council considers the risk to public health to be low, they emphasize that individuals should avoid contact with the affected water and any contaminated shoreline materials, including wildlife. Dogs are also to be kept away from the closed section of the beach and its waters. The council advises seeking medical advice if any contact with the water occurs and if symptoms such as eye or skin irritation develop.