Beach water rated poor for third year running

Bridlington's South Beach is regarded as the centrepiece of the town's tourist economy

Bridlington's South Beach has been given a poor water quality rating for the third year running.

The annual assessment is carried out by the Environment Agency and looks for the presence of bacteria associated with human and animal waste.

The beach is a popular destination for holidaying families throughout the summer.

The poor rating follows tests which were carried out between May and September.

Tests were carried out on the water on the beach during the summer

Mike Dugher, deputy director for the Environment Agency in Yorkshire, said: “Across Yorkshire, 60% of our bathing waters are rated as good or excellent but any drops in quality are disappointing and must be addressed.

“There is still much more to be done to ensure cleaner and healthier waters for people to enjoy and action plans are in place for poor and sufficient classifications.

"We are committed to working with our key partners and water companies to improve water quality and investigate the problems faced at some of our important tourist destinations.”

The water quality assessment at Fraisthorpe Beach fell from good to sufficient.

In recent weeks, kite surfers had raised concerns to BBC Look North about the smell of sewage in the area

Fraisthorpe Beach is popular with swimmers and watersport enthusiasts throughout the year

South Beach is regarded as the jewel in the crown of Bridlington's tourism offer.

• 2024 Bathing Water Profile for Bridlington South Beach

A recent investigation by the Environment Agency identified faecal matter from local seabird populations as a significant contributor to the poor water quality at the beach.

Yorkshire Water, which has sewage overflow pipes in the area, has also admitted it needs to "work harder" to reduce discharges into the sea.

Yorkshire Water has admitted it needs to do more to reduce discharges from its sewage overflow pipes

Water Minister Emma Hardy said: “These figures are unacceptable and show that too many of our popular swimming spots are polluted.

“That’s why we are placing water companies under special measures through the Water Bill, which will strengthen regulation including new powers to ban the payment of bonuses for polluting water bosses and bring criminal charges against persistent law breakers.

“This is just the start – we’ve launched the largest review of the water sector since privatisation to attract the investment we need and reform the water system to help clean up our rivers, lakes and seas for good

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