[A] public consultation is now underway for the proposed removal of Allonby South from the list of designated bathing waters under the Bathing Water Directive.
Designated bathing waters includes beaches, lakes or ponds that are popular with bathers. However, Allerdale Borough Council is considering the de-designation of Allonby South due to low usage and a lack of facilities to support bathing in the area.
The Bathing Water Directive mandates that specific bathing waters are monitored for levels of intestinal enterococci and E.coli during the bathing water season, which runs from 15 May to 30 September.
If a bathing water is de-designated, sampling for compliance with Bathing Water Directive standards would stop, and there would be no further investment to meet them.
There would also no longer be a legal requirement for public information about water quality to be provided. However, the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive and general environmental quality standards under the Water Framework Directive and Marine Strategy Framework Directive will continue to apply, and de-designation as a bathing water would have no impact on other wildlife or nature organisations.
The public now have the opportunity to give their views on the de-designation until 22 September. To have your say, simply email Allerdale Borough Council’s Environmental Health team at [email protected] or call them on 0303 123 1702.
Once the consultation is complete, the results will be considered by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs before a formal decision is made. For full details of the consultation, please visit www.allerdale.gov.uk/consultation
