Lib Dems welcome bathing water quality success for all of Bournemouth's beaches

8.32.39pm GMT Wed 26th Nov 2008

All of Bournemouth's beaches have high water quality.

All of Bournemouth's beaches have exceeded a major quality test which shows that the bathing water is of a good quality, suitable for swimming.

The standards are one of the benefits to the UK of European Union membership: the bar is set Europe-wide. It means visitors and local people can compare water quality here with beaches elsewhere in the European Union when on holiday. The European Union is setting higher standards which will come into force over 2012-2015.

The performance of our beaches means that their water quality is up to 'Blue Flag' standard. There are also other criteria which also have to be met for them to be formally awarded Blue Flags.

The results were welcomed by Bournemouth Liberal Democrats who want more visitors to visit the town to boost tourism.

"Tourism is vital to our local economy so I am delighted our beaches have passed the quality test. It may be a bit chilly at the moment but next year we want lots of people to come here and have a great holiday," says local campaigner Ben Prescott.

"The slide in the pound means foreign holidays are more expensive. People can come to Bournemouth instead, have a great value holiday and enjoy the very best of what we have to offer."

The tests were carried out by environmental watchdog, the Environment Agency, which tested every main beach in the UK.

• Bournemouth Hengistbury West - Pass (G)

• Bournemouth Southbourne - Pass (G)

• Bournemouth Fisherman`s Walk - Pass (G)

• Bournemouth Boscombe Pier - Pass (G)

• Bournemouth Pier - Pass (G)

• Bournemouth Durley Chine - Pass (G)

• Bournemouth Alum Chine - Pass (G)

Pass (G): Indicates that the bathing water achieved the more stringent guideline standard as well as the mandatory standard.

Boscombe Pier beach got upgraded from 'Pass' (the mandatory standard) in 2007 to the higher level of performance in 2008.

Only 65% of England's 414 beaches reached this standard in 2008. The higher standard is required to fulfil the water quality criteria in the international Blue Flag scheme.

Related Link:

Government water quality site.