PRESS RELEASE
Issued by:
Councillor Ann Bridson
Date of Issue: Nov 28 2005
Contact number: 0151 201 7310

WIRRAL ‘CONDEMNED FOR DIRTY BEACH
THROUGH NO FAULT OF ITS OWN'

Pollution of Site of Special Scientific Interest

United Utilities has again come under fire for its pollution of a Wirral beach located within a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Councillor Ann Bridson, Liberal Democrat Environment Spokesperson, said,

“We are amazed that one of the country's largest utility companies doesn't realise the importance of keeping clean the River Dee and the beach at West Kirby which was the recipient of a European Blue Flag award, and is one of Europe 's most important feeding habitats for migrating birds as well as a popular tourist destination.

“As a local authority we are now condemned for having a dirty beach through no fault of our own.”

“If we're to reap the tourism benefits of the Wirral Open Golf and Liverpool 's European Capital of Culture award it is essential that we maintain our reputation as a ‘leisure peninsula'. Pollution of one of our most popular beaches on a coastline designated a site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) does nothing to help us maintain that reputation.”

Read the Committee Report