Delivering the work needed to get all our beaches to “Excellent” water quality ratings by 2030 was the focus for Kevin Foster MP's speech in a debate on the performance of South West Water.
A debate on the performance of South West Water secured by Kevin's East Devon colleague Simon Jupp, provided a chance to note only highlight the work needed, but the commitments made to do so. The majority of beaches in Torbay have outstanding bathing water quality, with 11 of the 15 registered beaches in The English Rivera classified as ‘excellent’ for water quality in 2023, yet with Goodrington rated as “Sufficient” there is need for further work to get all our beaches to Good, then Excellent. This includes a £27m programme of investment by South West Water in our bay to deal with the issue of storm overflows which is due to be completed by 2030.
Having made this commitment, plus a specific pledge from South West Water to deliver their part in getting Goodrington and Paignton Sands to “Excellent” water quality rating (As determined by the Environment Agency) by 2030, Kevin also pushed for how they would be held to account for meeting their promises by the Government and the community.