Environment Agency data has shown untreated wastewater was released into coastal waters in north Norfolk for more than 2,500 hours last year.

West Runton, East Runton and Mundesley are among those that saw increases in 2024.

Sewer outfalls on West Runton beach and off its coast saw an increase in sewage spills (Image: Lesley Buckley/IWitness)

It has prompted fears that the Blue Flag status of these beaches could be threatened by the risk of further spills this summer if the region suffers bouts of torrential rain.

The releases came from storm overflows, which dump untreated sewage into rivers and the sea, usually during periods of heavy rainfall to stop sewers from backing up and flooding.

BEACH SPILLS RISE

According to the figures, more than 500 hours of spills came from Cromer's main sewage works out into the North Sea.

The outfall, located some way off the coast closer to West Runton, had 91 spills.

Another pipe directly located on the beach in West Runton itself had 116 hours of spills during 32 incidents.

Sewage spills from storm overflows has risen this year (Image: Archive.)

Both these sites saw significant increases compared to just a combined 138.26 hours in 2023.

Last June, East Runton beach had to be........

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