Sewage will be released for five weeks

Guernsey States' Health and Social Services Department says untreated sewage will be released into the Little Russel area of water in St Peter Port.

Work is under way to replace the pumping main which runs from the former Royal Hotel site to Salerie Corner.

Sea water will be tested on a regular basis but experts are warning of a possible health hazard.

'Right to know'

Sewage will be released into an area which includes Havelet Bay, La Vallette pools and Fermain Bay for the next five weeks.

There are also fears scallops harvested around the harbour could be contaminated by the discharges.

Guernsey's Director of Public Health, Dr David Jeffs said: "We strongly believe that when such work is scheduled to be undertaken, the public have a right to know, so they can make an informed choice about possible health risks."

Environmental health director John Cook said: "We will be insisting that seawater in the area is sampled on a regular basis and sent for bacterial analysis.

"Unfortunately, it is not possible to test for viruses, which can also pose a health hazard.