An interactive map covering 500 locations around the English and Welsh coasts has been published by the Environment Agency, highlighting the best and worst areas to bathe. The map allows holidaymakers, movers and locals alike a more informed choice over the best locations for them to visit and enjoy.
The map comes at an unprecedented time for coastal cleanliness across England and Wales, with last year’s figures showing that eight in ten beaches met the highest European standards in water quality (compared to just three in ten in 1990). The interactive feature allows users to view beaches all around the country, analyse the EU’s water testing results and benefit from local profiles that include maps, photos and descriptions of the beach and the surrounding area.
You can even follow links to see the latest pollution control plans for each identified location.
Andy Cummins, campaigns director for Surfers Against Sewage, said: “The new bathing water profiles are a significant step forward in the provision of public information about important coastal environments.
“These bathing water profiles will not make the water cleaner, but they will allow beach users to make more informed decisions about when is best to use the water and the information to know when it might be better to give it a miss due to pollution incidents.”
It is thought that such a comprehensive appraisal of seaside areas may well have an affect on the saleability of local properties.
One coastally based Chartered Surveyor commented: “This new map could have a similar affect to school catchment areas. Those selling properties in areas that have good bathing water and clean beaches might well now see an improvement in the saleability of their homes, with more people checking the map for suitable locations before moving to the coast.â€
To view the map and see how your location fares, click on the link below:
http://maps.environment-agency.gov.uk
25th May 2011