A report which gave a ‘poor’ rating to water quality off Weston’s main beach has been called ‘hugely disappointing’ by MP John Penrose.

The report found ‘sewage debris’ was visible on Weston beach during seven per cent of visits, with litter visible during 85 per cent of visits.

The quality was such people were advised not to swim in the water.

Despite the bad news for Weston beach, water quality ratings have improved in neighbouring areas, including Uphill, Clevedon and Sand Bay.

Mr Penrose, MP for Weston and the surrounding villages, says he has been assured the The Environment Agency is investigating potential pollution sources which could have contributed to the problem.

He said: “This is hugely disappointing, even though the progress as Uphill shows what can be done when everyone works together.

“Now we’ve got to do the same thing for Weston too. We’re a tourism town, so it’s essential we get back up to standard quickly. ”