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Millport Beach is
Again Amongst The Cleanest Beaches in Europe.
"The beach is
now consistently amongst the cleanest in Scotland and adds value to Millport
as a visitor destination."
Millport Beach has passed stringent EU tests of bathing water quality for
the fourth year running according to an
analysis by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).
The news has been welcomed by local MSP Allan Wilson who said:
"Local people and visitors alike value the quality of their beaches very
highly and I am delighted that Millport Beach is again amongst the cleanest
beaches in Europe. The beach is now consistently amongst the cleanest in
Scotland and adds value to Millport as a visitor destination "
"Only four years ago critics were bemoaning the poor quality of Bathing
water along the Ayrshire coast but a combination of multi-million pound
investment in new sewage treatment works and measures to tackle diffuse
agricultural pollution have meant the Ayrshire Coast has achieved a 100%
pass rate" said Mr Wilson.
"The various development programmes being undertaken across Ayrshire by
Scottish Water dovetail with work being carried out by local authorities,
SEPA and other agencies to reduce our impact on the environment and ensure
our beaches are enjoyed by generations to come" said Mr Wilson.
"This good news emphasises the importance of the £11m investment in sewage
treatment at Largs. While Largs Pencil again met mandatory EU standards of
cleanliness even though it is not designated as such, Largs Main would have
failed. Largs Main beach has never met the EU Directive's mandatory
standards however the number of individual failed samples during this period
is at it's lowest this year due to efforts to reduce diffuse agricultural
pollution." said Mr Wilson.
"The missing piece in the jigsaw is the new sewage treatment plant planned
for Largs which will greatly improve water quality and ensure that Largs
will pass EU standards subsequently" said Mr Wilson.
"That’s why I'm also backing a plan by local group Largs Beach watch to
secure potential designated bathing water status for Largs. The Executive
has encouraged communities to nominate their favourite swimming areas as
official bathing waters."
"Applications are being sought and will be reviewed by the Bathing Waters
Identification and Review Panel, which consists of representatives from the
Executive, Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Scottish Water, Marine
Conservation Society, Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, Crown
Estate, Association of Scottish Community Councils, Keep Scotland Beautiful,
Visit Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage and Clean Coast Scotland."
" I understand that Largs Beach Watch have been in contact with CCS
regarding a potential application and I have indicated my support for their
application. " concluded Mr Wilson.
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