According to a council, piles of rotting seaweed that have been strewn across a portion of a beach in a seaside resort will not be removed.
On the southern end of Weymouth Beach in Dorset, winds have caused the seaweed to wash ashore.
The smelly kelp carpet that beachgoers must navigate in order to reach the water has been a source of complaint.
Weymouth Town Council stated that while leaving it avoids "any potential harm that may arise from interfering with its natural course," it "might be unsightly.".
The authority further clarified in a statement: "While we acknowledge that our strategy may not suit all people's preferences, it is crucial to note that we are not aiming to offer a controlled, artificial swimming pool experience.
"Instead, we encourage visitors to appreciate nature's untainted beauty and the presence of seaweed in its natural state. ".
Julie Brindle, a recent beachgoer, decided against returning on Thursday due to the seaweed.
You have to walk through it to take a bath, she said, adding that it is very offensive. It is built up in layers. .
"I frequently travel to Weymouth, and I've never experienced anything like that.
"I recognize that it has a value to marine life, but I don't think it makes sense to leave the seaweed in that area of the beach. ".
Radio host and naturalist Chris Packham stated: "Marine algae is extremely important – it traps more carbon than every rainforest we have on the planet.
Locally, this region is a significant fish breeding ground.
You could think of marine algae as the seafloor's grass and herbs because it is a type of marine plant. ".
He called the problem at the beach "a temporary blip," and continued, "Frankly, when you think of the crisis that we are in, in terms of the environment and biodiversity, we ought to be focusing on bigger issues.".
Get a handle on things and respect nature. ".
David Harris, a councilman, continued, "It's crucial that it go back to the seabed from where it came, and it will do this as soon as the wind shifts and carries the seaweed back out to sea.
"We need to keep in mind that the beach is a two-mile stretch, and this is just a portion of it. ".
In recognition of its cleanliness and water quality, the beach currently holds both the Seaside Award and the Blue Flag Award.
