After what's felt like weeks of wintry conditions, it's finally beginning to feel like summer. And as the warmer weather sets in, many of us flock to our regions beautiful coastlines to soak up the sun and maybe even have a dip in the sea. Across England alone, there are 425 locations that have been designated as official bathing spots by the Environment Agency.
The water quality of most of those area is classified as 'excellent', with others being rated 'good'. But the water quality at one North East bathing spot has been declared too poor for people to swim there. Based on water tests conducted throughout 2023 by the Environment Agency, the water quality at Tynemouth Cullercoats was deemed 'poor' and people are advised against bathing there.
Read more: Tynemouth candidates for the General Election 2024 Keep up to date with all the latest breaking news and top stories from the North East with our free newsletter Tynemouth Cullercoats has received a poor annual classification for the last four years at least. But North Tyneside Council and Northumbria Water say the issue still lies with "contaminated groundwater". Sam Dand, Director of Environment at North Tyneside Council, said: “We are extremely proud of our award-winning coastline and beaches, including the beach and facilities at Cullercoats.
Since 2017, we have been working alongside Northumbrian Water and the Environment Agency to investigate water quality concerns at Cullercoats, with evidence pointing towards contam.