MEPs demand tougher standards for Britain's bathing waters

1.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 10th May 2005

The European Parliament today called for further cuts in pollution of bathing waters and for up to date information about the condition of the water to be provided to users of beaches throughout Europe.

Ministers have argued that European Commission proposals to revise the EU Bathing Water Directive would prove too costly for the public health benefits likely to be secured.

But MEPs have backed compromise proposals aimed at introducing modest improvements in water quality phased in over a 10 year period.

They insisted upon the introduction of simple standardised symbols to indicate current standards at beaches across Europe.

Andrew Duff, Liberal Democrat MEP for the East of England, said that the original bathing water directive had led to a big improvement in the condition of Britain's beaches.

He said: "Sewage and swimmers should not have to share the same space but too often that used to be the case.

"This new law will raise standards still further while giving swimmers, surfers and canoeists with up to date information about the water they use."

"Ministers and MEPs will now negotiate the final shape of the new legislation which will simplify water testing procedures while increasing their frequency."

ENDS