Pool pollution believed to be from cesspit

The Ladies' Pool at La Vallette in Guernsey could reopen next week as authorities believe they have dealt with the cause of the pollution that led to its closure.

Environmental Health closed the pool on Wednesday after sewage was found in routine testing, which was started after BBC footage identified a fault with the sewage outfall at Soldier's Bay that has yet to be fixed.

Director of Environmental Health Tobin Cook said there was no evidence linking the faulty outfall and the issue at the pool.

He said he was waiting on a formal report into the cause before the pool could reopen, although he was confident the problem was with the site's cesspit and a temporary solution was already in place.

Cook said: "It is understood that a defect meant that waste water was escaping from the cesspit and into the surface water system before discharging out of the drainage in the wall and towards the Ladies' Pool.

"While measures have already been undertaken to prevent a recurrence, until Environmental Health has received the formal report, we've asked for the public and cafe toilets to remain out of use."

Due to the lack of toilets the cafe, run by charity Vive La Vallette is set to operate a reduced service.

It said it was working with Environmental Health, Guernsey Water, contractors and the States of Guernsey to get the issue resolved.

The pool remains closed and is set to be emptied and cleaned on Tuesday.

Cook said: "This will also allow time for short-term mitigations to be reviewed while a permanent solution is arranged."

He said the Children's, Horseshoe and Gentleman's Pools were all safe to swim in.

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