More bathing areas than before reached EU minimum standards

Of 414 bathing areas tested, 305 achieved the EU's highest standards, while a record 98.8% now meet minimum requirements, the government said.

The improvement follows conditions in the 1990s when fewer than a third of areas met the lowest standards.

However, the Marine Conservation Society warned that the standards were outdated and swimmers could still contract sewage-related illness.

The 2005 tests showed that five sites fell below the lowest standards: Newbiggin North and Staithes in the north east, Instow in the south west and Morecambe South and West Kirby in the north west.

'Swimmers' delight'

But the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said there had been a massive improvement in English bathing waters over recent years.

Environment Minister Elliot Morley said: "This is good news for those who enjoy going for a swim at the beach and is also a boost to seaside tourism.

"These excellent results show that the �1bn that has been spent in improving sewage treatment over the last 10 years has paid off."

He added that more work over the next five years would bring further improvements, particularly on tackling water pollution from farming.

The improved water quality will go some way to meeting revised European Union bathing water directives, requiring even higher quality and greater protection for public health.

'Old standards'

The Marine Conservation Society's coastal pollution officer Thomas Bell welcomed the results, but sounded a note of caution.

"Swimmers have a one in seven chance of contracting a sewage-related illness, for example gastroenteritis, if they swim at beaches complying solely with the European Mandatory standard.

"This standard dates back to 1976 and is now acknowledged by the European Commission and the World Health Organisation as presenting an unacceptable public health risk."