Glenis Willmott has congratulated Skegness and the other Lincolnshire beaches on once again exceeding European minimum standards for water quality.

The results of tests carried out by the Environment Agency show that 98.3 per cent of England’s bathing waters met the EU’s mandatory water quality standards in 2009, up from 96% in 2008.       However, Lincolnshire beaches not only all reached the required minimum, but also had a 100% record of reaching the tighter “guideline” standards laid down by the European Union.

“This is excellent news nationally, and particularly so for the Lincolnshire beaches such as Skegness, Mablethorpe and Sutton on Sea.”  Glenis said.

The Labour Euro MP added.  “It’s something we have almost come to take for granted.  But we need to congratulate all involved on keeping up such high standards.  After all, other beaches, in the North West and South West, have failed to reach the required minimum standard.”

“This is good news for our tourist industry, and for the holidaymakers who visit the Lincolnshire coast.”

More details

Results of the recent tests were announced by the Environment Agency www.defra.gov.uk/news/2009/091117b.htm

Bathing water standards are set through the European Bathing Water Directive (76/160/EEC).  Further information about bathing water quality in England can be found at  http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/quality/water/waterquality/bathing/index.htm