Blackpool set for ‘massive boost’ with new Blue Flag eligibility

In another potential boost for the North West’s historic seaside towns, Blackpool’s coast could be set for its first ever Blue Flag status.

New figures from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs show that seawater at the resort passes strict regulations for bathing, with Blackpool South hailed for the ‘excellent’ quality of its water.

The news follows work by the Fylde Peninsula Water Management Partnership, carried out over the last four years, to stimulate investment in the area’s sewer network. The efforts have seen water company United Utilities invest £160m in underground storage tanks in Preston, in addition to an extra £100m of infrastructure improvements along the Fylde coast.

Cllr Fred Jackson, the cabinet member responsible for bathing water quality at Blackpool Council, said: “I am absolutely delighted by today’s results.

“A huge amount of work has gone into making sure that our waters are cleaner than ever and this announcement just proves the massive step forward that we have all taken.”

He added: “To have all of our sea waters pass the new directive is fantastic but to have a Blue Flag in Blackpool would be a massive boost to the resort and a real feather in our cap.”

With the new classification from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Blackpool is now eligible for Blue Flag status - a stamp that would see it ranked among some of the world’s most popular beaches and potentially benefit the local tourist economy.

Dr Pete Fox, the director of land and water at the Environment Agency, commented: “Water quality at beaches is better than any time in living memory, with dramatic improvements having been made over the last few decades.

“The Environment Agency has led successful work to monitor, investigate and reduce pollution, which has benefited the environment and people with nearly all of England’s beaches, 97%, meeting the new stringent water quality standards.”