Shocking data shows some of England's most popular beaches are blighted by sewage – find out if your nearest beach is on the list
Analysis by the Lib Dems has revealed that a number of the England's 'Blue Flag' beaches, an accreditation given only to 'well managed beaches with excellent water quality', are in fact blighted by sewage.
Devon, one of England's best loved regions for staycations, has four of its beaches shamed by the new analysis.Blackpool Sands Beach, Stoke Fleming, Devon – 63 spills, totalling 1,014 hoursBeachlands Beach, Hayling Island, Hampshire – 102 spills, 793 hoursExmouth Beach, Exmouth, Devon – 39 spills, 470 hours
Sir Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, said: "Britain’s beaches are being ruined by profiteering water companies getting away with dumping sewage as the government has failed to act for years.Sidmouth beach, Devon, was one of the top five worst beaches for sewage levels.Read more: Baby wipes could be banned under government plans to tackle water pollution
The company's operating officer, John Halsall said: "We are reducing the use of storm overflows and our plan is working but there is more to do.