CONCERNS about pollution in the sea off Chalkwell have been raised.

Beach goers at Chalkwell Beach have noticed a yellow coloured substance in the water off the shore, along with a foul smell.

They told the Echo that they were worried about and want the authorities to deal with the issue.

Ron Lyall, 69, from Leigh, often swims off Chalkwell Beach. He is very concerned with the pollution in the water at the moment.

He said: “I have no idea what is in the water, but it doesn’t look right.

“I swim there a lot, and this is the first time I have done so this year.

“I think there needs to be some analysis done on the water to find out what is causing this.

“I think the authorities need to act and I plan to inform Southend Council as soon as I can.

“The water is a very strange colour.”

Jane Hendry, from the Chalkwell Ward Residents Association, said: “This is concerning – in terms of enjoyment in the area as well as health implications.

“With the summer season now upon us, hopefully, we would welcome a prompt investigation, so that it does not spoil everyone’s enjoyment of our beach and seafront. “A number of our members regularly swim at Chalkwell beach and will be especially concerned.”

There have been issues in the past with water quality at the beach.

In May 2015, the Environment Agency found water quality at the beach was unacceptable.

A spokesman for the Environment Agency said: “At this time of year, there are natural processes which produce foaming in the sea, and rivers, particularly in warm weather.

“There have been no incidents of pollution reported at Chalkwell Beach so far.

“If a member of the public is concerned about a suspected incident of pollution, they should please phone the 24-hour incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60.’

“More information on bathing water quality see environment.data.gov.uk/bwq”

Southend Council was unable to comment on the issue.