Beach in region named among new bathing sites
ASOUTH Tyneside beach is one of 27 new spots under Government plans to establish new bathing water sites.
Littlehaven Beach in South Shields is the only proposed swimming spot in the North East which would be designated under the plans.
If designated, Littlehaven would receive regular water monitoring by the Environment Agency, which would investigate pollution sources and identify steps to be taken in response, officials said.
In order to meet the criteria, it must have 100 bathers a day during bathing season (May 15 to September 30) and have toilet facilities within 500 metres of the site.
Nearby Sandhaven Beach, which was named the UK’s best beach in July 2022, has an “excellent” standard based on samples taken by the Environment Agency, while Marsden has also been classed as good.
Coun Ernest Gibson, lead member for neighbourhoods and climate change at South Tyneside Council, said: “Littlehaven is a beautiful part of our coastline. It is much loved by both residents and visitors and an extremely popular spot for sea swimming and water sports.
“Given the number of people who enjoy our seaside all year round and regularly use Littlehaven, it would be great to see the beach receive bathing water designation and undergo regular water quality monitoring.
“Having this official designation would help us better protect the health of those entering the water at this location as well as give visitors up-to-date information and the confidence to make an informed decision before taking a dip.”
Many of the other proposed sites across the country are in rivers and lakes, with the intention to boost the number of inland swimming areas.
The Environment Department (Defra) said last year that 96% of bathing waters in England met minimum annual standards and 90% were rated as “good” or “excellent”.
However, there has been growing public anger over the state of England’s rivers and coastal waters, which suffer pollution from sewage outlets and other sources such as agricultural run-off.
Making the announcement on what was described as the largest ever roll-out of new bathing sites, Robbie Moore, water minister, said: “Many people enjoy spending time in our rivers, lakes and coastal beaches, and I am very aware of the value they bring in terms of social, health and wellbeing benefits.
“I want to continue to improve the quality of our bathing waters, which is why we are taking action across the board to drive up standards and hold water companies to account.
“I encourage all local communities and organisations with an interest to take part in this consultation and have their say.”
The consultation runs until March 10, with Defra saying that the sites were chosen based on how many people bathe there and whether there are suitable facilities, such as toilets.
The department claimed that the consultation on new designations would build on recent improvements to the water environment, which includes boosting the number of water company inspections by the Environment Agency, and requiring a 25-year £60bn infrastructure programme.
However, Tim Farron, Liberal Democrat environment spokesperson, said: “Conservative ministers have finally buckled to Liberal Democrat demands for more bathing water sites, but the grim truth is water firms have dumped over 400,000 hours of sewage into swimming spots since 2020.
“The government has yet again been dragged kicking and screaming to take action on water quality.
“However, this is yet another halfbaked announcement, which does not ban water firms from dumping sewage into bathing water areas.”