Selaine Saxby, Member of Parliament for North Devon will introduce her 10 Minute Rule Bill, Bathing Waters (Monitoring and Reporting) Bill next Tuesday 14th May in Parliament. This Bill will make provision about monitoring and reporting of water quality in bathing water sites in coastal areas; and for connected purposes.
Local MP and Bill Sponsor, Selaine Saxby said:
“I am very proud to be the MP for North Devon, home to the only world surf reserve in the UK, and the only cold water surf reserve in the world. Its reputation for great waves, alongside clean beaches was hard fought, recently the stunning Saunton Sands was also named amongst the best beaches in the UK. As the one woman tourist board for North Devon, I will continue to promote our beaches and our fabulous tourism and hospitality industry. It is disappointing when I see damaging misinformation spread about our water quality that undermines our reputation as a coastal destination, to fix this we need more and better information.
“In my mind, data is key and this Bill will ensure there is some form of test data from coastal bathing waters all year round when water based sports and tourism are still thriving in coastal areas. It will also require water companies to test what is coming out of their storm overflows when they run, and that the term “raw sewage” only be used when the concentration of bacteria warrants it.
“I very much hope that by introducing this Bill, we can all come together in supporting the need for accurate data which will ensure better, consistent guidance for residents and tourists to enjoy our beautiful beaches all year round.”
