Environment Agency taking steps to improve bathing water quality in Bude

The Environment Agency is investigating bathing water quality in the north Cornish resort of Bude after concerns were raised about its deterioration.

Water quality has been reduced at Summerleaze Beach and the organisation is now working to find the cause.

Following initial investigations, which focused on the Strat and Neet river catchment areas as well as the town itself, a defective main sewer was cited as one of the potential causes.

Surface water entering the River Neet was being contaminated at the site and South West Water is now working to fix the problem and prevent any further discharges.

In addition, officials from the agency also discovered two major pollution sources on the River Strat, which have now been stopped.

However, work will continue to ensure that there are no further sources of contamination that are reducing water quality in the area.

James Wimpress, from the Environment Agency, said: "We have made Bude our number one priority for the coming year in a bid to address some water quality problems that have caused a decline in local bathing water standards."

According to the body, many issues with water quality arise from discharges from business and the water industry, while diffuse pollution - such as rainwater run-off from urban and rural areas - can also create problems.

Posted by Lauren Steadman