Liberals lead victory for West's swimmers in bathing water vote

12.00.00am GMT Wed 18th Jan 2006

Liberal Democrats in the European Parliament today voted overwhelmingly in favour of a revised directive on bathing water quality. The legislation, which sets higher standards and more stringent guidelines for local authorities, was today welcomed by South West Euro-MP Graham Watson:

"This is a victory for common sense and public health. The high standards set by this legislation are predicted to significantly reduce the risk of illness to swimmers and surfers. Improved information will as a result be available both on the net and on the beach. On top of all this, the 19 assessment criteria for water quality attached to the old legislation will now be removed in favour of focusing on two factors most significant to public health, making it easier for local authorities to save on costs and implement the legislation."

The bathing water quality report, compiled by a Liberal Democrat MEP, will bring considerable benefits to the South West, where with so many miles of coastline, water safety is central not only to public health, but also quality of life and tourism in the region. Mr Watson continued:

"The days of surfers and sewage sharing water in the South West will be a thing of the past. Beach users will be better informed about the water they use and safer while using it".