Town beaches pass weekly water testing

But three other Fylde coast bathing spots – the two beaches in St Annes and the beach at Fleetwood – failed the Bathing Water Directive Tests.

The tests showed all Blackpool beaches, Cleveleys and Bispham had passed their quality tests.

The news was today welcomed by the council. Blackpool is battling to ensure its beaches reach a revised Bathing Water Directive, which comes into force in 2015 to increase the standard of bathing water quality across the 
region and meet the European Union’s new standards.

Failing could mean the town’s beaches have to display signs warning people against swimming in the sea, sparking fears of damage to tourism.

It was reported in The Gazette in May that efforts to tackle pollution in have been stepped up after some of the waters failed tests earlier this year.

Neil Jack, chief executive of Blackpool Council, said: “It is very pleasing to see that not only does Blackpool’s seafront look great, but all four of our beaches have passed the latest bathing water quality sampling.”

But Coun Roger Berry, cabinet member with responsibility for bathing water at Wyre Council, said: “Obviously we are disappointed with the latest results, but we are allowed one fail so it doesn’t mean Fleetwood beach has failed for the 2013 season.

“As soon as we find out the possible cause, we will be working with our partners in the Fylde Peninsula Water Management Group to see what can be done to prevent it happening again.

“It’s important the public understands, despite this latest result, the Fylde coast’s bathing water is still the cleanest it has been in decades.”

Coun Susan Fazackerley, deputy leader of Fylde Council, added: “It’s very unfortunate but factors that contribute to the failure are often out of our control. At the moment it could be anything from bad weather to animals dying in the sea, but the whole issue is being looked at across the Fylde coast.”

Follow us on twitter @The_Gazette and like our page on facebook to keep up with all the latest news.