THE BEACHES at Longniddry will be back to business as usual today after the council was given the all clear to lift a bathing ban.

Countryside rangers put up signs warning people to stay out the water last Thursday after raw sewage was discovered on the beach.

Environment agency SEPA are investigating the source of the sewage which had been found in a burn which runs down Links Road towards the sands.

They advised the council to put up warning signs as their investigations continued, however SEPA said it has carried out two tests of water from the Forth at Longniddry and found it was clean.

The agency said its inquiry was now looking at the private drainage system in the village and septic tanks.

A spokesperson said: "SEPA took samples of Longniddry bathing water on August 30 and September 4. These were found to be clean with no sign of impact. We are satisfied that there is no ongoing pollution.

“Our follow up investigations will focus on private drainage including septic tanks in Longniddry to ensure these are registered with SEPA and properly maintained.”

East Lothian Council said the signs, which were put up in the coastal car parks at Longniddry Bents, are due to be taken down this morning.

Scottish Water has said it has carried out repairs to sewage works in the area as part of their own investigation into the leaks.

They said: "We have been in constant dialogue with SEPA as these investigations have taken place over the last few weeks.

"Following our investigations we recently completed repairs to the sewer network in the area.

"Further precautionary work has also taken place on the network to help reduce the risk of further leakage."