The quality of bathing water at three beaches on Barrow’s coastline has been rated as excellent.
Walney Biggar Bank, Walney Sandy Gap and Walney West Shore secured the highest rating possible following inspections by the Environment Agency.
The news was confirmed today following Government’s publication of the new bathing water classifications for 2021 which are based on data collected between 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2021.
Ann Thomson, the leader of Barrow Borough Council, said: “This is yet another feather in the cap for the borough’s impressive coastline, which I believe contains some of the most beautiful, nature-filled and awe-inspiring beaches in the country.
“For the bathing water on these three key beaches to be rated as excellent is just superb.
“Being able to enjoy the fresh air and wide open spaces of these locations can provide a crucial boost to our physical and mental wellbeing. Knowing the quality of the water is excellent for bathers is very good news indeed.”
The rating for each of the locations was secured after up to 20 samples were collected by the Environment Agency during the bathing season last year.
These samples were then tested to make sure they were clear of sources of pollution known to be a risk to people’s health including E coli and intestinal enterococci.
Barrow has 60km of coastline, a portion of which is designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest based on the rich array of wildlife, flora and fauna it offers.
Councillor Thomson added: “While the borough is well known for its industrial heritage and the innovative, world-leading businesses that are based here, the quality of our natural environment is also incredibly high.
“Securing the highest rating for bathing water quality adds further to that for all those who live, work and visit our borough.”
