press release from the office of Richard Corbett MEP

10 November 2004

Tide turns against dirty bathing water

All Yorkshire and the Humber's beaches have passed tough European tests for cleanliness, according to a report from the Department for the Environment today.

Overall in the UK, 98% of coastal and freshwater bathing areas now meet EU standards - a 23% improvement over the last 10 years.

Richard Corbett, Labour MEP for Yorkshire and the Humber, said:

""Over the last decade, we've seen the tide turning against dirty sand, filthy water and waste pipes on beaches. Tough European standards have been driving up the quality of beaches and inland bathing areas across the continent.

"In Britain, millions of pounds have been spent making sure that our beaches rival the best in Europe. Today's figures show just how well that money has been spent.

"There are obvious benefits for British holidaymakers, as well as for tourists from elsewhere in the world. And of course the competitiveness of our beaches is of crucial importance to the success of our tourist industry. A huge number of jobs are at stake."

Notes for editors

The photograph shows (rear) Lawrie Quinn MP, and (front) member of the public Jo Coles, and Richard Corbett MEP.

All inland waters and virtually all coastal waters in the UK passed the test. There were no failures in Yorkshire and the Humber, though Staithes (in the North East) narrowly missed the target.

More information

Contact Toby Wardman, Press & Communications Officer for Richard Corbett MEP

phone 0113 245 8987

e-mail toby@richardcorbett.org.uk