BEACH classifications from the Environment Agency have announced that beaches across Devon and Cornwall have 'broken records' for high water quality standards, despite several high-profile sewage overflows.

According to the EA, this year nine beaches in Devon and Cornwall have improved their bathing water classification, while four beaches have deteriorated – Teignmouth Town in Devon,  and Cornwall’s  Readymoney Cove, Porthminster and Swanpool.

Those improving from Good to Excellent are Gorran Haven, Pendower, Porthwrinkle and Porthcurnick in Cornwall. Improving from Sufficient to Good is Par Sands.

The agency says it has carried out extensive monitoring in the catchment, investigated potential sources of pollution and ensured problems causing pollution have stopped.

A spokesperson for South West Water said: "We are delighted that 100% of the South West’s bathing waters met water quality standards this year for the second consecutive year running.

"As assessed by the Environment Agency, 99% of bathing waters in the region were rated as ‘Good’ or ‘Excellent’ for 2022, compared to just 28% in 1991.

"With over a third of the country’s designated bathing waters, our 860 miles of coastline continues to put the South West on the map as one of the UK’s most popular tourist region.

"Today’s announcement is the result of significant, targeted investment and decades of partnership work.

"We know we must maintain this progress as well as go further and faster to protect the natural environment.

"That’s why we’re committed to maintaining our region’s excellent bathing water quality standards all year round and dramatically reducing our use of storm overflows by 2025 through WaterFit, our new plan for healthy rivers and seas."

However, not everyone is convinced by the findings, including ocean activists, Surfers Against Sewage.

The campaign group responded to the findings in a post on its social media page which said: "The Environment Agency has released annual classifications for designated bathing waters in England. Bathing sites are still not all achieving the top standard.

"We're not keen to celebrate.

"Did you know that when deciding classifications - water samples are disregarded if water quality has been affected by pollution.

"97% of bathing waters met minimum standards in 2022, but only 72% achieved a standard of Excellent.

"Things aren’t as excellent as the Environment Agency lead us to believe.

"Water samples are taken during the bathing season to determine if bathing water is classified as Excellent, Good, Sufficient or Poor.

"But with samples disregarded when water quality is actually affected by pollution, are this year's classifications really telling the truth about the state of our bathing waters?

"We need to see a reform in the government's water quality testing regime to give an accurate picture of the condition of our rivers, lakes and seas."

Recently, protests have taken place after overflows occurred at Gyllngvase, Swanpool and St Agnes in Cornwall. 

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