BORDERERS are being urged to avoid swimming at Eyemouth beach after a sewage pipe spill.

Scottish Water said it was replacing a pipe bridge which runs beneath the town’s Toll Bridge.

But during works on Tuesday (July 12) a joint failed resulting in a spill from the sewer.

Signage has been changed at Eyemouth beach to advise against bathing or paddling in the water.

In an update on Friday (July 15) the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) said the water quality was “poor”.

A spokesperson for SEPA said: "SEPA was made aware by members of the public of a sewage pipe burst in Eyemouth on Tuesday, July 12.

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"We are working closely with Scottish Water and Scottish Borders Council and have been informed that the discharge has been stopped, with repair work completed on July 13.

“As a precautionary measure, SEPA’s bathing water signage is being changed to advise against bathing or paddling in the bathing water. This will continue until SEPA and partner organisations are satisfied there is no longer a risk from this incident.

"Water quality testing has been carried out and SEPA officers are closely monitoring the situation.”

A spokesperson for Scottish Water said: "Scottish Water has been replacing a pipe bridge which runs beneath Toll Bridge in Eyemouth.

"During planned works on Tuesday evening to install a section of pipe, a joint failed resulting in a spill from the sewer.

"The spill was stopped overnight and the repair has now been completed.

"We will continue to liaise closely with SEPA and other agencies.”