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27/03/2013
Beach Safety Standards Continue To Fall
The latest Good Beach Guide has revealed the number of UK beaches failing to meet minimum standards for water quality are increasing.
In 2012, a total of 42 beaches failed to meet the minimum EU levels required – 17 more than 2011.
Heavy rain and flooding is being blamed for the increase in poor standards as pollution was washed from towns and sewers into the sea.
There was also a large fall in the number of beaches recommended for bathing in the latest report. Of the 754 beaches assessed, 403 were awarded the top 'recommended' award for water quality, 113 fewer than the year before.
The Marine Conservation Society, which publishes the Good Beach Guide, has warned of the dangers associated with bathing in polluted water.
It added that there was an urgent need for improved monitoring of overflow pipes which can discharge raw sewage into rivers and the sea from sewer networks when heavy rain overloads the system with water from street drains. It claimed action was also needed to reduce pollution from farms and urban areas, ahead of stricter EU rules on water quality from 2015.
Coastal pollution officer Rachel Wyatt said: "Action must be taken now. With stricter bathing water standards from 2015 and summers that appear to be getting wetter, the iconic image of people bathing off golden beaches could be at serious risk.
"There is no simple solution to sewage and animal waste reaching our seas. However if the water industry, communities and local authorities recognise that there is a problem and begin to work together to find answers that would be a significant start."
(JP)
In 2012, a total of 42 beaches failed to meet the minimum EU levels required – 17 more than 2011.
Heavy rain and flooding is being blamed for the increase in poor standards as pollution was washed from towns and sewers into the sea.
There was also a large fall in the number of beaches recommended for bathing in the latest report. Of the 754 beaches assessed, 403 were awarded the top 'recommended' award for water quality, 113 fewer than the year before.
The Marine Conservation Society, which publishes the Good Beach Guide, has warned of the dangers associated with bathing in polluted water.
It added that there was an urgent need for improved monitoring of overflow pipes which can discharge raw sewage into rivers and the sea from sewer networks when heavy rain overloads the system with water from street drains. It claimed action was also needed to reduce pollution from farms and urban areas, ahead of stricter EU rules on water quality from 2015.
Coastal pollution officer Rachel Wyatt said: "Action must be taken now. With stricter bathing water standards from 2015 and summers that appear to be getting wetter, the iconic image of people bathing off golden beaches could be at serious risk.
"There is no simple solution to sewage and animal waste reaching our seas. However if the water industry, communities and local authorities recognise that there is a problem and begin to work together to find answers that would be a significant start."
(JP)
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03 May 2012
Wet Summer Sinks Standards Of Scottish Bathing Beaches
The Marine Conservation Society has recommended fewer bathing beaches in Scotland in its latest Good Beach Guide. The number of beaches in Scotland recommended for their excellent bathing water quality in the annual Marine Conservation Society (MCS) Good Beach Guide has dropped in the last year, putting Scotland behind the rest of the UK.
Wet Summer Sinks Standards Of Scottish Bathing Beaches
The Marine Conservation Society has recommended fewer bathing beaches in Scotland in its latest Good Beach Guide. The number of beaches in Scotland recommended for their excellent bathing water quality in the annual Marine Conservation Society (MCS) Good Beach Guide has dropped in the last year, putting Scotland behind the rest of the UK.
24 August 2007
Beach Guide Reports 1 In 8 Hit By Pollution
The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) has reported that water quality at 85% of the UK’s bathing beaches as of a ‘Good Standard’ following a mid-summer analysis of water quality data from 553 bathing sites.
Beach Guide Reports 1 In 8 Hit By Pollution
The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) has reported that water quality at 85% of the UK’s bathing beaches as of a ‘Good Standard’ following a mid-summer analysis of water quality data from 553 bathing sites.
20 August 2004
Summer rains could pose health risk to bathers: warning
This summer’s heavy storms could lead to sewage discharges from overwhelmed drainage infrastructure posing a potential pollution and health risk on Britain’s bathing beaches, the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) has warned.
Summer rains could pose health risk to bathers: warning
This summer’s heavy storms could lead to sewage discharges from overwhelmed drainage infrastructure posing a potential pollution and health risk on Britain’s bathing beaches, the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) has warned.
04 November 2003
UK records cleanest bathing water standards
A record 98.8% of England's bathing waters meet the European standards for 2003, Environment Minister Elliot Morley announced today. From a total of 411 English bathing areas, 406 passed the main mandatory tests.
UK records cleanest bathing water standards
A record 98.8% of England's bathing waters meet the European standards for 2003, Environment Minister Elliot Morley announced today. From a total of 411 English bathing areas, 406 passed the main mandatory tests.
16 May 2014
Travel Firms Cancel Tours To Mombasa
Hundreds of UK tourists are being evacuated from parts of the Kenyan coast following a Foreign Office warning over a high terrorist threat. Nearly 400 holidaymakers are to be flown back as a precaution, while tour operators Thomson and First Choice have cancelled all flights to Mombasa until October.
Travel Firms Cancel Tours To Mombasa
Hundreds of UK tourists are being evacuated from parts of the Kenyan coast following a Foreign Office warning over a high terrorist threat. Nearly 400 holidaymakers are to be flown back as a precaution, while tour operators Thomson and First Choice have cancelled all flights to Mombasa until October.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
