Sewerage Overflows Not Causing Bridlington South Water Issues

Wednesday, 14 December 2022 06:00

By Matthew Pells

Yorkshire Water say something else is causing the deterioration in the bathing water quality.

The poor quality of bathing water at Bridlington South beach is not the result of sewerage overflows.

That's according to Yorkshire Water who say something else is at play.

Bathing is now not advised at the beach despite other neighbouring beaches getting good or excellent water quality ratings.

Lee Pitcher is the firm's Head of Partnerships, he said this year's data rules out overflows.

The reason for the poor rating remains a mystery, especially given neighbouring Bridlington North Beach’s waters are classed as good.

Martin Christmas, a planning and engagement manager at the Environment Agency, said there was no silver bullet answer to the poor rating, with more analysis needed to establish the causes. The Agency monitors designated waters during the official bathing season between May and September.

Lee Pitcher from Yorkshire Water says there has been significant investment in fixing historical sewer issues in the area.

Bridlington South’s Councillor Andy Walker said water quality at the beach was an important issue for the town given it is a major tourist destination, he says something odd is going on.

The ward councillor added:

“There seems to be some mystery around it, it’s not straightforward.

“But there doesn’t seem to be any local engagement, elected members should be involved as they have local knowledge which would be useful.

“Bridlington South Beach is marked as a tourist destination, we receive a lot of enquiries about this and although it’s not bathing season at the moment bathers do go in there.”