Cobo businesses brace for E. coli downturn

Tuesday 22nd June 2010, 1:00PM BST.

Two people stroll on the sand quite safely, say the authorities. Only the water from this outfall presents an E.coli risk. (Picture by Steve Sarre, 0987617)

FEAR of E-coli could affect trade and will put people off coming to Cobo Bay, businesses in the area have said.

Cobo Village Centre owner Ralph Le Page said the news that higher levels of the bacteria had been found at the beach’s fresh water outfall pipes was certainly not going to encourage people to the area.

Islanders would associate E-coli with national outbreaks and what had happened in the past, whether it was the same strain or not, he said.

‘They don’t always assess the risks and will avoid it all costs – it’s more perceived than a real risk.’

On Friday people were warned to stay away from the outfalls and signs were put up to warn islanders not to drink or play in the water, even if it looked clean.