WORK to re-open a Carmarthenshire beauty spot is ongoing.

North Dock in Llanelli currently has naturally occurring algae in the water which can lead to illness in humans and pets.

Previously, Carmarthenshire County Council has put up warning signs around the dock’s perimeter to warn of the dangers to ensure that the public remains safe.

Since then, the council has been in regular contact with Natural Resources Wales about testing and potential solutions.

Both the North Dock and the Loughor Estuary are dynamic, separate, natural environments, the council said.

The algae levels and water quality are affected by factors such as nutrient levels, shade and sun levels, temperature, tide and the amount of water circulation.

The council is managing the level of water circulation and trialling the manual removal of some algae and that there are limits to what can be done due to the environmental designations of the estuary.

The council says it is doing all it can to maximise the North Docks’ continued summer viability for leisure use and pointed out the rising temperatures across the world is leading to natural environmental change.

Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, cabinet member for climate change, decarbonisation and sustainability, said: “There is not a straightforward solution to this problem as it’s important to remember that the whole of the Loughor Estuary is a habitat for local wildlife.

"Both bodies of water, the North Dock and the estuary, have complex and dynamic characteristics; the movement and circulation of water between both areas has to be carefully managed.”

Cllr Gareth John, cabinet member for regeneration, leisure culture and tourism, said: “We want North Dock to be used for its intended purpose, which is as a safe, inland, recreational body of water and we are working with other agencies to resolve the issue.

"There is no truth to the rumours of plans to sell the dock. We are committed to developing the area for recreational purposes.”

The algae in the water may cause illness in humans and animals and people are advised to not swim in or swallow the water and to avoid contact with the algae.

They should also not allow pets to come into contact with the water and must abide by the notices around.

The algae can produce toxins which can cause skin rashes, nausea, vomiting, stomach pains, fever and headache if swallowed.