Fury as sludge cloud appears after storm drain release at Essex swimming beach

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. open image in gallery A pool of sewage appears to form off Chalkwell It has been described as “a perfect spot for a good old fashioned, cheap as chips, bucket and spade holiday” by the tourist board. “This is supposed to be a swimming beach.” open image in gallery Chalkwell beach is a popular spot for He added: “I’ve been flying for 30 years over Southend and Kent and have never seen anything like it. Look at it all on just one day.” open image in gallery Brown water forms over Chalkwell beach The Old Leigh Regatta, dating back to the 1880s, was being held at the same time as the discharge featuring sailing races between the Leigh Sailing Club & Essex Yacht Club and maritime demonstrations, tasters and displays, paying homage to the area’s rich fishing and boating legacy. open image in gallery Seagulls feed off a Motney Hill Sewage works discharge at the same time on Sunday She said: “We are confident that this was the result of a surface water outflow being triggered in response to the heavy rain and the discolouration is a result of stirred up silt and mud.