PEOPLE visiting a Carmarthenshire dock have been warned to stay away from the water due to health concerns.

Carmarthenshire County Council has highlighted that there are algae blooms at North Dock, Llanelli and have put signs up warning people to avoid the water due to potential contamination through natural causes.

The presence of the algae at North Dock was confirmed by Natural Resources Wales testing despite improvements to the water circulation and the situation will be monitored as the council works with partners to understand how the naturally occurring blooms can be resolved.

Cllr. Aled Vaughan Owen, cabinet member for climate change, decarbonisation and sustainability, said: “The build-up of algae and algae blooms is a natural occurrence which happens from time to time, particularly during periods of hot weather.

“We recognise the disappointment that the users of North Dock will have regarding this news, however the council takes its responsibility towards the public health of its residents and visitors as a top priority hence why the notices advising not to enter the water have been put in place around North Dock.

“We are urging people to abide by the warning we have issued. We will continue to monitor the situation alongside partners and will keep members of the public updated.”

The algae can cause illness in humans and animals so people are advised to not swim in, swallow or come into contact with the water and to ensure their pets also stay away from the water.

Public Health Wales has advised that the algae can produce toxins that can cause skin rashes, nausea, vomiting, stomach pains, fever and headache if swallowed.