E.coli discovery keeps people away from Cobo

Monday 21st June 2010, 11:30AM BST.

COBO Bay was virtually deserted over the weekend as swimmers appeared to stay clear following news that E.coli bacteria had been found in fresh water outfalls on the beach.

Only a handful of people were on the usually packed beach at lunchtime on Saturday and most said they had never seen the bay so empty.

Gavin Niven, 28, said he would now think twice about swimming at the beach.

‘It [the detection of E.coli] is probably the reason why it is so quiet here today,’ he said. ‘Maybe everyone is boycotting the beach. There were some swimmers here earlier though so I don’t know, but it’s very quiet now.’

Environmental Health announced on Friday that fresh water outfalls had tested positive for the bacteria and warned islanders to stay away from the outlets.

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View more: Cobo news, E. Coli news, Pollution news.

1
Neil Inder

June 21, 2010 at 1:45 pm

If there really needs to be a solution then its very simple. A sign fixed on the end of each pipe stating that “people are advised not to drink or play in the water”.

Guernsey Water carries on testing and doesn’t use it as an opp to get on the front of the GP.

In the week where we announce a 30% rise in visitor interest, experience the best week in the year in terms of weather, this is a PR disaster.

Ill thought through, media response and the Cobo desertion predictable.

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