Scarborough water quality action plan agreed

Visitors to Scarborough's South Bay are met with warning signs advising against bathing

An action plan has been agreed to improve water quality at Scarborough's South Bay.

Following a summit on Monday, North Yorkshire Council, the Environment Agency, Defra and Yorkshire Water released a joint statement pledging "to tackle complex issues at South Bay together."

Several "actions" were drawn up, including more detailed testing.

Officials also intend to look at best practice around the country.

Organisations met this week to discuss bathing water quality in Scarborough

Since 2018, people have been advised to keep out of the sea at South Bay. In June, that advice was extended to North Bay due to a "pollution incident".

Durham University will assist with greater testing and analysis of water quality data, the organisations said.

They added: "We will look at best practice around the country in areas that experience similar problems to South Bay and how they have tackled them, including the potential use of natural filter solutions in worst affected areas.

"We will also continue with these senior level meetings to drive forward the agreed actions and work towards improving bathing water quality at South Bay."