English beaches are dirtier than last year
According to this article, a survey conducted by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has found that 29 coastal sites around England failed to reach the minimum requirement in 2012, compared to 9 sites in 2011. Lord Smith, chairman of the Environment Agency, described how: “Bathing water quality has improved significantly over the past two decades, but this year heavy rainfall over the summer has affected results.” The Environment Agency has warned water companies, businesses, farmers and local authorities that they will need to work harder to improve water quality on beaches so as to meet more stringent EU standards to be introduced by 2015.
I’ve always had particular enthusiasm and empathy for coastal places – about one-third of the population living within 10 km of it. But many coastal communities face a series of challenges: they often have a high proportion of retirees, transitory populations and benefit claimants, with huge pressures placed upon public services during summer months. They also suffer because of their physical isolation and seasonal/low wage economies.
How might understanding the trajectory of costal places be harnessed to generate successful economic futures? To explore this question further, the Rural Services Network is holding an event on coasts on 4 December 2012 at The Pavilion Theatre in Bournemouth. The event will include presentations from the Coastal Communities Alliance (CCA), a network of local authorities sharing best practice, collaborating on projects/initiatives and influencing Government policy-making; and Weymouth and Portland Borough Council outlining the legacy of the 2012 sailing Olympics and Paralympics. To book your free place please email Wendy at the RSN (wendy.cooper@sparse.gov.uk)