SEWAGE was released into the sea at five beaches across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole on Friday after a bout of torrential rainfall.

Wessex Water’s coast and rivers watch service confirmed that several storm overflows on the Dorset coast were activated on Friday, October 21.

Sewage was discharged at Shore Road beach and Branksome Chine in Poole, at Bournemouth Pier, and at Avon Beach and Friar’s Cliff in Christchurch.

The storm overflows, which function automatically, were also in operation in Swanage.

Wessex Water says that they are necessary to protect properties from flooding and to prevent sewage from overflowing into streets and homes.

Last month, a spokesperson for the water company said: “Storm overflows are permitted by the Environment Agency and operate automatically, releasing mostly stormwater during or after intense rainfall to prevent flooding in people’s homes.

“Wessex Water is the only UK water and sewerage company to provide overflow discharge alerts 365 days a year, with complete coverage of all bathing waters in our area, and we notify Surfers Against Sewage ourselves.

“Every month we’re investing £3million on storm overflows, starting with those that discharge most frequently or have any environmental impact.”