Beach water quality ratings revealed

Martyn Coltman says businesses will be "delighted" with the improved rating at Bridlington South Beach

The water quality at Bridlington South Beach has been rated "sufficient" for the first time in three years.

People were advised to not swim in the sea at the beach when it was rated "poor" for the past three years due to high levels of bacteria.

The water quality at all of East Yorkshire's beaches is now classified as "sufficient" or higher after the Environment Agency took samples from bathing waters this summer.

All beaches on the Lincolnshire coast are rated "excellent" or "good".

Martyn Coltman, vice chair of Bridlington Ambassadors, said: "I think the businesses will be delighted, particularly those who benefit most along the seafront.

"The beach is fabulous, the seafront facilities are excellent, so it's nice to hear that the water quality is also improving."

Tests from previous years at Bridlington South Beach showed high levels of Intestinal Enterococci and E. coli bacteria.

Clive and Lynne Matthews say the improved rating is "encouraging" for Bridlington

Derek Varley said he went for a dip in the sea in Bridlington every day up until he had cataract surgery, but on the North Beach, rated "good" by the EA.

"The water quality on the north is absolutely excellent," he said.

"I'm not too sure about the south, but I suppose it's getting a lot better.

"In this day and age we ought to be able to control the amount of rubbish that we put in our seas."

Clive and Lynne Matthews, from Scarborough, said the new "sufficient" rating was "encouraging for Bridlington".

Mr Matthews said: "I suppose, on the face of it, it's pretty good but I don't think that's the end of story.

"I imagine next time they test it, it could have easily dropped back as there are so many factors that shape the water quality."

Councillor Barbara Jefferson, East Riding of Yorkshire Council's cabinet member for heritage and coastal, said she was "absolutely delighted" with the results.

"To have seven of our nine beaches achieving either 'excellent' or 'good' results is outstanding and proves just what a marvellous, clean, safe and attractive coastline we have here in the East Riding," she said.

Nine beaches were tested across East Yorkshire and eight in Lincolnshire.

Derek Varley used to go for a swim on Bridlington North Beach every day

The Environment Agency's bathing water classifications for East Yorkshire beaches:

• Bridlington North – Good

• Bridlington South – Sufficient

• Danes Dyke, Flamborough – Excellent

• Hornsea – Excellent

• Fraisthorpe – Sufficient

• Flamborough South – Excellent

• Skipsea – Good

• Wilsthorpe - Excellent

• Withernsea – Excellent

The Environment Agency's bathing water classifications for Lincolnshire beaches:

• Skegness - Excellent

• Ingoldmells - Excellent

• Chapel St Leonards - Excellent

• Mablethorpe - Excellent

• Anderby - Excellent

• Sutton on Sea - Excellent

• Cleethorpes - Good

• Humberston Fitties - Good

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