Timothy Kirkhope MEP Joins the Fight to Save a Failing Yorkshire Beach
Brussels, 16 August 2007-- Mr Kirkhope visited Staithes to learn more about the on-going problems of the village’s beach.
Staithes beach is the only beach in England to fail Bathing Water Standards, despite Yorkshire Water putting in new sewage treatment facilities. All neighbouring beaches pass with flying colours.
Timothy Kirkhope said:
“ Britain’s beaches are some of the worst in Europe. We are often barely reaching minimum standards of water quality.
“However, it would appear that Staithes has unique problems, which must be solved. The residents are extremely worried by the damage this is doing to the reputation of this picturesque village and the local economy.
“I plan to contact DEFRA and the Environment Agency to ask for answers. Some-one must know what is causing these problems but at the moment it seems everyone is passing the buck. If this was a beach in Devon or Cornwall I wonder if the issues would have been tackled sooner.”
Mr Kirkhope also hit out at any plans to de-designate the beach:
“We must all work together to try and find a way to bring the beach up to EU standards. If Staithes beach is not designated it could lead to people being warned not to go onto the beach and the tourist economy collapsing.
“I am going to raise this matter in the European Parliament and keep in close contact with the authorities and the people of Staithes until we reach a positive solution.”
ENDS
