CORNWALL Council has received reports of a white waxy substance being washed up on the beach at Widemouth Bay.

The Council is putting up signs on the beach, and on neighbouring beaches at Crooklets and Summerleaze as a precaution, to inform beach users of the situation. The Council is also liaising with private beach owners in the area.

The deposits are believed to be the same substance which was described as being a non-toxic, degraded, edible oil or fat following laboratory tests when a similar situation occurred two years ago.

Cornwall Council has advised that if, as appears to be the case, this is the same substance that has washed up in the past, people should keep away from it — if you do come into contact with it, please wash it off using normal soap or shower gel and water and wash your clothes.

Jon James, Cornwall Council Natural Environment Manager said: “We are especially advising dog owners to be vigilant. Please keep your dog on a lead as there have been reports in the past that the substance could be dangerous for dogs if they eat a large amount of it. Our contractors Cory are removing the substance from Cornwall Council owned beaches which have been affected and will be providing advice to the owners of private beaches on how to dispose of the substance.”

Both the Council and Cory are continuing to monitor beaches in Cornwall for further deposits of the substance but anyone who sees deposits of it is asked to report it to the Council’s customer contact centre on 0300 1234 141 during office hours.