Bridlington: Debate over beach water quality warning

Councillor Tim Norman said the council should make the Environment Agency and Yorkshire Water "step up and do something" about the poor water quality of Bridlington's South Beach

The cause of poor water quality at Bridlington South Beach and how to improve it is to be debated later.

People were advised not to go into the sea off the beach following the rating by the Environment Agency (EA) in December.

An EA spokesperson said further analysis of water tests was needed to establish the cause of the poor water quality.

The issue is set to be discussed at a full meeting of East Riding Council.

Councillor Tim Norman, who represents Bridlington South ward, said he would raise a motion at the meeting calling on the EA and Yorkshire Water to do more to resolve the problem.

The reason for the poor rating needed further analysis, according to the Environment Agency

Mr Norman told the Local Democracy Reporting Service the rating had already taken its toll, with Bridlington South Beach Boxing Day Charity Swim organisers "up in arms" after having to cancel the event.

He said the rating had also angered locals and left businesses fearing what impact it might have on tourism trade.

Mr Norman said he wanted action on water quality and more clarity about how long the rating would be in place, as local traders geared up for the tourist season.

An EA spokesperson said: "Investigations into what is driving the drop in quality at Bridlington South are ongoing and include detailed analysis of sampling data taken over previous years and close work with partners including Yorkshire Water and the local authority to take action and raise standards.

"While the number of waters rated as Excellent has risen across Yorkshire, we know there is more to be done to tackle water pollution to ensure cleaner and healthier waters for people to enjoy."