UPDATE: Public still advised to avoid the sea between Southwick and Ferring

Today (Thursday, September 6) the Environment Agency, Adur and Worthing Councils and Arun District Council issued a joint statement, which said: “The East Worthing sewage treatment works is now back online and discharging fully-treated effluent through the long sea outfall in accordance with its Environment Agency environmental permit.

“There have been no further discharges of untreated sewage since Monday, September 3 at 9.30pm.

“Environment Agency officers have been on site to assess the impact of the sewage as part of an on-going investigation into what has happened. Pending the outcome of that investigation, they will look to take appropriate action.

“Bathing water samples were taken by Environment Agency Officers on Monday when the discharge was occurring and on Wednesday. Results of these are expected to be received on Friday, September 7.”

The statement said the councils continue to advise people not to swim between Southwick and Ferring, where the Worthing borough boundary lies, until full confirmation of the sample results is received.

Once the authority has the results, it will review the decision on swimming.

The statement added: “All authorities are working together to ensure the safety of the public and a return to normal as soon as possible.

“The public are advised to check Adur and Worthing council’s websites for an update at www.worthing.gov.uk and www.adur.gov.uk or @adurandworthing on Twitter or the Adur and Worthing Facebook page.

Any further updates on the situation in Arun will be posted at www.arun.gov.uk or @ArunDistrict on Twitter.