THE Environment Agency has launched an investigation following a complaint that chlorinated swimming pool water is being dumped by a New Forest hotel, causing potential problems for the water supply and wildlife.

Managers at The Beaulieu Inn Hotel deny the claims, saying their storage system meets regulations and they are being targeted by a disgruntled former employee. 

They have vowed to invite inspectors in to take a look for themselves. 

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The Daily Echo has spoken to the complainant, who asked not to be named, and said: "Chlorinated water is supposed to be stored for five days, but they're just pumping it out straight away and they've been doing it for months or even years.

"It's filtering into the ground, into the water table, and there's all sorts of wildlife around there. It's crazy. It's a catastrophe waiting to happen. You've got to let the chlorine dissipate."

A spokesperson for New Forest Collection, which runs the hotel next to Beaulieu Road Station among a small group of hospitality venues in the Forest, told the Daily Echo: "We are sure of the source of this complaint and recently dismissed a team member for being unable to complete their duties effectively.

"Our Beaulieu site meets regulations. The storage system stores all spent pool water for a minimum of 24 hours or until chlorinated levels are diluted to a safe level. This is then discarded through our soakaway, in our car park, which is used exclusively for this.

"At the time this was built, this was the process that satisfied the demands of New Forest District Council.

"We will be contacting the Environment Agency ourselves to invite any associated inspection from their team."

An Environment Agency spokesperson added: "This incident has been reported to the Environment Agency and we are currently investigating. We cannot comment further until these investigations are complete.

"We encourage anyone who witnesses pollution or any other environmental incident to call our free 24-hour hotline on 0800 80 70 60."

Southern Water has also been approached by the Daily Echo.