Water at 'brown flag' beach now sufficient

The water quality at a beach contaminated by bird mess has improved.

The Environment Agency (EA) said Heacham, in Norfolk, was now classified as "sufficient".

It was previously rated poor and was awarded a "brown flag" by a holiday park comparison site, which analyses EA data on beach water quality. But the upgrade to sufficient means Heacham has shaken off its unwanted brown flag status.

The EA said water sampling continued across Norfolk's beaches, and swimmers should check the quality rating online before going into the sea.

Bird mess has been a problem in the past, with the RSPB saying about two millions birds pass through the area every year.

James Goodman-Stephens has a beach hut at Heacham and said he was happy to hear things were getting better.

"As a regular beach user, it's essential to know that the water is safe, especially for the kids who love playing in the rock pools and want to swim," he said.

"Seasides need protection because they are an essential part of England's heritage and a lifeline for local people who enjoy the community and the beautiful nature there."

Colette and her daughter Amaya organise a monthly beach clean at Heacham.

She is not convinced that things have really changed.

"You can still see some brown foam coming in from the sea, and the sea still looks dirty," she said.

"In the river near the beach, there are still no fish in it.

"I would say that the water has still not improved too much."

EA manager Andrew Raine said his teams welcomed the change in status.

"Our officers will be out sampling the water at all of Norfolk's bathing waters across the summer, and we urge the public to check results online."

A King's Lynn and West Norfolk Council spokesperson said: "It's apparent that wildlife and ecology play a significant part in impacting bathing quality results.

"Looking at the past few seasons, we have seen marginal improvements.

"We remain committed to taking all reasonable steps to create the best chance to improve water quality going forward."

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