Bournemouth Beach: White Substance Identified as Paint by Council

The council thinks white paint washed up on the shore. The paint stretched from Alum Chine to Hengistbury Head. Most of the paint is now gone from the beach, but the council warned some paint might still be there. They advised people to avoid touching it, especially kids and dogs.

BCP Council informed the Environment Agency about the paint. But that agency said it is not investigating, stating it is now the council’s responsibility. Richard Herrett is a BCP Council cabinet member.

Richard Herrett said they took paint samples from the beach and that early tests suggest it’s white paint. Much of the paint has dispersed already, however, some could remain in certain spots. They are watching the situation closely. Beach visitors should avoid contact and keep kids away. Dogs should stay on leashes.

The council is trying to learn how the paint got there. Julie-Anne Houldey saw dead birds near the paint, close to Hengistbury Head. She told the Environment Agency about the dead birds. That agency said the RSPB would investigate that issue.

The RSPB has been contacted for details. It’s unknown if the birds ate the paint. People online guessed what the substance was; most thought it might be white paint or palm oil, while others thought it could even be ambergris.

Before they knew what it was, some said it smelled like PVA glue. Signs are now posted, warning people not to touch it.