THE water quality at a beach in Southend is “excellent”, according to the Environment Agency after a recent visit.

Major concerns have been raised about the water quality and sewage overflowing into the Thames Estuary over the last 18 months, and on March 8 this year Anglian Water confirmed sewage had been pumped into the sea at five Southend beaches.

Just before Easter, the Environment Agency tested the bathing water quality on Chalkwell Beach, with the support of Southend West MP, Anna Firth.

The tests confirmed that the water contained a limited amount of E-Coli and was deemed to be “excellent”.

It comes as Anglian Water invests £17 million to clear blockages and cut sewage in Southend.

Ms Firth said: “I welcome the fantastic results from the recent water testing conducted by the Environment Agency, which proves that the water quality in Chalkwell is excellent.

“Whilst these test results are undeniably positive, we cannot now become complacent.

“As the weather warms up and more people take advantage of our beautiful beaches, we have to ensure these standards are maintained year-round.

“I will continue to be a strong advocate for my constituents and to hold further liaison meetings with concerned groups such as Southend Against Sewage, Bluetits Chill Swimmers, Redcaps Surf Life Saving Club and local residents to guarantee we hold Anglian Water to account.”

The news comes as the government faces criticism for alleged years of inactions to prevent private water companies dumping raw sewage into rivers and water off beaches.

Sewage in water across the UK has become a hot topic in the run-up to next month’s elections, with both Labour and Lib Dem parties launching campaigns against the government’s record on raw sewage.

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Labour councillor Matt Dent, urged caution.

He said: “It is good news undoubtedly that the results have been excellent.

“But one test is not a solution to the wider problem that we have been experiencing.

“It is all well and good at the moment but as soon as sewage is released into the water’s again, because the system has not been maintained, we are back at square one. Whilst I am very glad there was a good test result, the broader problem still remains.”