New European directive enforced in May 2015 tightening water rules It means dozens of British beaches will be off-limits for swimmers Tourism bosses warn it could spell disaster for local businesses

By Ben Spencer

Published: 18:50 EST, 14 April 2014 | Updated: 03:22 EST, 15 April 2014

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Some of Englands best-loved beaches could be turned into no-go zones for swimmers under tough new EU rules.

Tourism bosses predict a disaster for local businesses if popular resorts are placed on an environmental blacklist over water quality.

When the new European directive is enforced in May 2015, the rules on water safety will become twice as stringent overnight, rendering dozens of beaches which are currently safe off-limits for swimmers.

Warning: Tourism bosses warn the new rules could be disastrous for local businesses across Britain's coast

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EU to ban our beaches: 1 in 10 could fail tough new safety tests