Third North Yorkshire coast bathing summit takes place today
Officials meet in Scarborough to discuss progress on improving water quality
The third North Yorkshire coast bathing summit is being held today (Monday, 27th October) at Scarborough Town Hall.
It brings together key partners to review progress in improving the region’s bathing water quality.
The North Yorkshire Bathing Water Partnership – which includes Defra, the Environment Agency, North Yorkshire Council and Yorkshire Water – will share updates on ongoing work to tackle pollution and protect the county’s coastline.
While two-thirds of North Yorkshire’s bathing water sites are currently rated as Good or Excellent, any dip in quality can have significant environmental and economic impacts.
Cllr Carl Les, leader of North Yorkshire Council, said: “The quality of bathing water along the North Yorkshire coast is hugely important, and we are tackling it head-on by working closely with our partners and supporting a range of initiatives ourselves.
“This summit is an opportunity to review recent progress and reaffirm our commitment to holding those responsible to account, ensuring this vital issue is addressed for the benefit of our businesses, residents and visitors alike.”
Among the speakers is Professor Darren Gröcke, Director of the Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry Laboratory at Durham University, who is leading a detailed testing programme on behalf of the council.
Over the past 18 months, he has collected thousands of seaweed samples between Hayburn Wyke and Filey. His nitrogen isotope analysis aims to identify the exact sources and types of pollution affecting the bathing waters.
The Environment Agency will also present findings from its investigations into the causes of poor water quality at Scarborough’s North and South Bays. Together, these studies form the most comprehensive analysis yet undertaken on North Yorkshire’s coastal waters.
Recent investment has focused on tackling overflow and wastewater issues. Yorkshire Water completed a £2.8 million project at Wheatcroft, limiting sewer overflow discharges to a maximum of two per bathing season. Meanwhile, McCain Foods has spent £23 million upgrading its wastewater treatment facility at its Scarborough factory.
Richard Flinton, chief executive of North Yorkshire Council, said: “The North Yorkshire coast is of huge importance. It’s where people live, work and visit, and it plays a huge role in our local economy and quality of life.
“We know how important clean, safe bathing water is for our communities, and we share their desire to see lasting improvements.
“This summit is a chance to hear what’s been done so far, clearly set out the issues evidenced by the two recent studies and make sure that, together, we deliver the action needed to protect this precious asset for generations to come.”