High scoring beaches good news for North East, says Fiona Hall MEP

11.45.00pm GMT Wed 19th Nov 2008

Those who fancy a swim in the sea at one of the North East's famous beaches do not have to worry about going for a dip in dirty waters, as for the second year running local beaches have been awarded ten out of ten for water quality.

Figures from the Environment Agency show that 34 beaches identified as coastal bathing waters on the North East coastline have passed the 2008 EU water quality tests, with 21 of these achieving an extra award for passing more stringent guideline standards.

Popular swimming beaches for tourists and locals, Whitley Bay and Tynemouth King Edwards Bay are included on the list, as well as the idyllic beach, Bamburgh Castle, and to the south, Redcar Coatham.

Fiona Hall, Member of the European Parliament for the North East, has welcomed the results.

Said Fiona, "These EU tests prove just how clean the water is off the North East coast, which is very reassuring for swimmers, divers and windsurfers.

"The North East has over 150 miles of coastline, encompassing countless landmarks, an area of outstanding natural beauty, ports and harbours vital for the region's economy and of course our sandy beaches."

"Beaches such as Whitley Bay and Tynemouth attract thousands of tourists particularly in summer, so it is very rewarding to be able to say that the quality of water remains exceptional."

But Fiona also voiced concerns for the coastal area of Staithes, the only place in the whole of the North East to fail the tests.

"Staithes has failed water quality tests for the second year in a row which obviously raises questions. I would be interested to know why, if it did not make the grade back in 2007, there was not more done to prevent Staithes from failing a year later."

To see the full list of North East beaches which passed the EU water quality tests can be found at the link http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/water/quality/bathing/pdf/summary-tables2008.pdf