Scott Mann, Ministers and officials have welcomed the latest results for bathing water quality, with new statistics revealing England's favourite swimming spots are the cleanest they've been since records began.
Bathing water quality, tested at 413 beaches and lakes up and down the country, is the best on record and 98.5 per cent passed tough standards this year.
In the Duchy, 81 sites were tested of which 65 have been rated Excellent and 11 as Good. All 14 sites in North Cornwall have been classed as either Good or Excellent.
Responding to the news, Scott Mann said:
"I hugely welcome today's bathing water results in North Cornwall and across the county.
"Just 28 per cent of bathing waters nationwide met the top water quality standards in the early 1990s; now 93.2 per cent are rated excellent and good.
"Fourteen sites in North Cornwall have been tested, including in Bude, Widemouth, Crackington Haven, Daymer Bay, Polzeath, Constantine, Trevone, Treyarnon, Harlyn, Porthcothan and Mother Ivey's Bay. All have been rated either Good or Excellent.
"The quality of Cornwall's bathing water is very important for local residents, tourists and the marine environment, and I know many people will welcome this news today across the county and in North Cornwall.”
The seaside economy is worth more than £3.6 billion annually and 146 million people flock to Britain’s beaches every year to appreciate the stunning natural landscape and world class facilities.
Environment Secretary Andrea Leadsom said:
"England’s bathing waters are enjoyed by millions of people every year, which is why I am delighted the water quality at our beaches and lakes is better than at any time since before the Industrial Revolution.
"This year more than 93 per cent of bathing waters were rated excellent and good, but we’re not complacent – we’ll keep working to improve our environment and make sure it’s protected for future generations."
Sir James Bevan, Chief Executive of the Environment Agency, said:
"Water quality at beaches has improved again this year, 98.5 per cent passed the standards and 69.5 per cent met the highest rating of Excellent.
"The Environment Agency has led successful work to protect people, tourism and the environment. We will continue to ensure bathing waters are maintained and improved further, so we need partners and the public to work with us to reduce pollution.
"We encourage all beach-goers to check water quality advice; this is available at every bathing beach and on our Bathing Water Data Explorer website."