Popular Northumberland beach to remain off-limits after toxic creosote discovered in sand and water

Published: 04:48 EDT, 7 October 2026 | Updated: 05:19 EDT, 7 October 2026 Visitors have been urged to stay away from part of a popular beach and its surrounding waters after tests confirmed the presence of creosote.Blyth South Beach in Northumberland is a 2.8-mile stretch of golden sand with Blue Flag status.The award-winning beach is popular with families during the summer, who come to enjoy its sandy shores and coastal views. It also boasts a row of colourful beach huts available to rent.However, reports of a fuel smell and ‘oil-like pollution’ emerged on the beach in August, prompting members of the public to be told not to swim in the affected area.Laboratory tests by the Environment Agency have now confirmed the substance is creosote.Creosote is used to preserve wood and is produced through the distillation of coal tar. It contains toxic chemicals that can be harmful to both people and the environment. Blyth South Beach is a popular coastal spot in Northumberland Due to its presence on the beach, visitors have now been urged by the local council to continue to avoid swimming between Blyth West Pier and the Dave Stephens Centre, the BBC reports. 'Current restrictions remain in place, and we are continuing to advise the public to not enter the affected area and to follow instructions on signs at the beach,' Northumberland County Council said in a statement. 'Although we are no longer in the official bathing water season, advice against bathing for the affected section of the beach (north of the Dave Stephens Centre) is still in place. 'Additional weatherproof signs will be installed ahead of the winter period to ensure advice remains visible and accessible to beach users.'It is thought a timber treatment works that operated on land near the affected area and closed around 1980 could be a source of the pollution. Storms that took place earlier this year are suspected to have disturbed the shoreline and moved the pollution, meaning it has only been detected now. The Environment Agency, Port of Blyth, Northumberland County Council, and other partners are working together to manage the situation. While the investigation continues, options for cleaning up the contaminated land are being assessed. The toxic substance of creosote has been identified on part of the beachThe Environment Agency has started a programme of regular water testing along Blyth South Beach to help monitor the water quality.According to the council, the risk to public health is low, but 'people should avoid contact with water in the affected area and not touch anything, including wildlife, along the affected shoreline'.Dogs should also be kept away from the affected part of the beach and the water. 'If you or your child have had any contact with the affected water and feel unwell, please seek medical advice via your GP or usual healthcare advisor,' the council's site said.'Contact with the water may cause eye and skin irritation and anyone affected should seek medical advice.'The Daily Mail has approached Northumberland County Council, the Port of Blyth and the Environment Agency for comment.