Staithes beach consultation begins

Scarborough Council has asked for the beach at Staithes to be de-designated for bathing as it has persistently failed to reached European Union standards for water quality and the Government is now asking for the public’s views.

Water at designated beaches must be tested for bacteria that can cause illnesses during the official bathing season which runs from mid-May to the end of September.

Tougher European standards coming into force this year would force the local authority to post warning signs if water at the beach failed the tests.

Scarborough Council had already expressed concern that the annual publication of bathing water quality information had led to negative publicity for Staithes and there were concerns the signs could further damage the reputation of the picturesque village which is visited by large numbers of tourists.

Last year, councillors voted to ask the Government to begin the process of removing the bathing designation of Staithes beach.

But some local campaigners have argued greater efforts should be put into improving water quality.

People can email their views on the proposal to [email protected] or write to Bathing Water team, Defra, Area 3D, Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London, SW1P 3JR.

There is also an online survey on the proposals at https://consult.defra.gov.uk/. There are currently 406 beaches and 12 lakes designated as bathing areas in England. In addition to Staithes, the Government is consulting on the removal of Newhaven and a beach at Lyme Regis from the list of designated beaches.