Government vows beaches' clean up

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Ministers have vowed to improve coastal clean-up efforts after water quality on dozens of UK beaches was criticised in a European Commission report.

The vast majority of coastal areas meet strict EU bathing water standards, but too much rain is being blamed for putting 25 beaches on the dirty list.

These include Sandgate in Kent and the chic Cornish resort of Rock.

The government is "working to improve sewerage systems" and is aware of the effect of heavy rain, a spokesman said.

The European Commission report found that most of the UK bathing areas needing improvement were in the South West of England and in Scotland.

Farmland run-off

The government spokesman said: "Heavy rainfall or stormy weather can temporarily affect bathing water quality as the flow of water washes pollution into rivers and coastal waters through the sewage network, and increases run-off from farmland and urban streets.

"Farmland pollution can also temporarily affect bathing water quality, when heavy rainfall washes pollution into rivers and coastal waters through the sewage network."

He said the government was working to improve sewer systems to reduce the risk of flooding from overflows and the resulting pollution to beaches.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) also said it was tackling pollution from agricultural sources with grants to build fences between livestock and watercourses.

Europe's Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas said: "High quality bathing water is essential for the well-being of European citizens and the environment - and this goes for all other bodies of water too.

"I am pleased to see that the overall quality of water in bathing areas is improving throughout the union."

The report is based on 2008 water cleanliness tests carried out at more than 21,000 bathing spots around the 27 EU countries.