Ex-rivals united in battle for better beaches

The Scarborough based Sons of Neptune environmental group and Yorkshire Water were at loggerheads for years over plans for sewage treatment.

The Sons claimed victory after water bosses agreed to invest millions in high-level treatment rather than continue to pump raw effluent into the ocean.

Now Yorkshire Water faces new challenges because the EU guideline standards for bathing water quality have been made much tougher.

This time, however, rather than opposite sides, both the company and campaigners want to work together to make Yorkshire’s beaches even better.

To celebrate the new partnership yesterday, The Sons presented Yorkshire Water with a confidential report on ways to achieve the new standards.

It was drawn up by Dr Bruce Denness, former Professor of Ocean Engineering at Newcastle University, after Yorkshire Water approached the campaigners for extra guidance.

Dr Denness has been the retained environmental consultant to the Sons for more than 30 years and spent months looking at all the options.

Sons of Neptune leader Freddie Drabble said: “The report... is intended to achieve excellence and the highest possible rating for Scarborough for our two bays now standards have been lifted.

“Many verbal blows were exchanged over the years. Today marks a unique milestone on the road to achievement.”

YW Manager of Treatment Lee Pitcher said: “Their report will enrich the intelligence we’ve already collected and help us make sure that bathing water quality in Scarborough reaches the highest level in the future.”

Work at Scarborough and Bridlington was already under way and they would be investing in other beaches from next year.