SOUTHEND'S beaches remain closed to the public due to a persistent sewage leak.

Anglian Water work on repairing the damaged sewer pipe continued long into the weekend and into this week.

A network of pipes and pumps above the ground has been installed, whic will divert water around the damaged pipe.

Three pumps are now operating, and a further two are set to be up and running this week.

The Echo understands the Environment Agency will inspect the sea water in the next four days.

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A spokesman from Anglian Water, said: "Our teams are continuing to work around the clock to repair a major issue with one of the sewers that feeds Southend Water Recycling Centre.  

“Our main sewer pipe is damaged at the point where it comes into the Water Recycling Centre.

"We haven’t had an incident like this for more than a decade, and our teams are working continuously to put things right.

"Repairing this is a major engineering challenge, made harder by how deep under the ground it is.

"We know we need to work quickly, but it’s even more important that we work safely.  

“Work has progressed well over the weekend to install a network of pipes and pumps above the ground which will divert waste water around the damaged area.

"We have three pumps now operating and are working to install a further two early this week. 

"In the meantime, we are continuing to use a fleet of tankers to take away as much water as we can. 

“Although our pumps and tankers are diverting a lot of waste water away, regrettably, the damage to the pipe means not all waste water is getting to the water recycling centre at the moment.

"This has triggered a pressure relief valve on the network meaning some waste water is being spilled into the sea, in order to reduce the risk of people’s homes and gardens from flooding. 

"Our teams continue to be on the beach daily, monitoring the local environment and cleaning up as needed. 

“The council took the decision to close the beach from Southend Pier to Thorpe Hall Avenue at the end of last week and they remain closed.

"We continue working closely with them and the Environment Agency as we work to repair the damaged sewer pipe.”