Six beaches fail Euro water quality standard

10:34am Wednesday 7th November 2012 in News

SIX beaches in the region have failed to meet the expected standard of water cleanliness, Environment Agency tests have revealed.

Although 87 per cent of the bathing waters tested in the North-East and Yorkshire did meet the standards set by the European Bathing Water Directive, a higher than average rainfall has been blamed for an overall drop in water quality compared to last year.

Seaham, Saltburn and Sandsend, near Whitby, are among the beaches whose water failed to meet the minimum standards, but popular resorts such as Whitley Bay and Seahouses were among the 25 across the region which achieved the highest results.

Tom Blenkinsop, MP for Saltburn, said the resorts failure to meet the minimum standard was a hammer blow.

Naturally I am very disappointed to hear this news as it was only in May this year that the Marine Conversation Society listed Saltburn as the most improved beach in the North-East, he said.

Now we find out that the bathing water has failed to meet strict guidelines, it isnt an understatement to say that it is a hammer blow for the town as the water is used for a variety of activities, including surfing and swimming.

Mr Blenkisop said he would write to Richard Benyon, the minister responsible for natural environment, water and rural affairs, asking the Government to make sure relevant agencies are equipped to improve the situation.

Cara Charlton, of Northumbrian Water, said the company had spent 190m on upgrading its network since 1995.

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Six beaches fail Euro water quality standard