WARNING OVER DOCK ALGAE

WARNING signs have gone up at Llanelli’s North Dock following the discovery of blue-green algae which could be harmful to people and animals.

Carmarthenshire Council erected the signs and is warning the public not to come into contact with the water due to the risk of contamination.

Algae occurs naturally in inland waters, estuaries and the sea and is an important part of the water life cycle, but it can grow rapidly into large blooms during warm weather and can produce toxins.

Public Health Wales (PHW) advises that these toxins can cause skin rashes, nausea, vomiting, stomach pains, fever and headache if swallowed.

The public are advised not to swim in the water, swallow the water and avoid contact with the algae. Animals should not be allowed in the water either.

Tests carried out by Natural Resources Wales last Friday confirmed the presence of algae and the situation is being monitored.