Wyre’s bathing waters ‘good’ for third year

Cleveleys Beach

Wyre’s bathing waters have been awarded two stars and classified as ‘good’ by the European cleanliness standards for the third year in a row.

The bathing water season runs from 5 May to 30 September each year when the Environment Agency tests the water each week for levels of bacteria, taking 20 samples at each site every year. These sites must meet strict European guidelines on water quality, with the aim of protecting the health of people who may want to swim, paddle or even just splash and play there.

Councillor Roger Berry, with responsibility for the beaches in Wyre, commented ‘I’m absolutely delighted with this year’s results that recognise how well-managed and maintained Wyre’s bathing waters are. They have been achieved with support from our partners, Environment Agency and United Utilities as well as many residents who take part in community beach cleans along the coastline on a regular basis. Thank you to all those who continue to help look after our beaches.’

The council works closely with other organisations across the North West on a variety of initiatives to improve the quality of beaches and bathing waters, from building new flood defences and sustainable drainage to reducing pollution from sewage systems, agricultural land and surface water outfalls.

Councillor Berry added ‘This really shows that we have both quality beaches and clean water, making Wyre’s coast an attractive and enjoyable place to live and visit. Members of the public can play a big part in improving beaches and bathing waters by thinking about what they flush, not dropping litter, joining in beach cleans through the LOVEmyBEACH campaign and always picking up after their dogs.’

Beach cleans take part one Saturday every month, details of the next beach clean can be found at www.lovemybeach.org.

Fleetwood Beach