Observer Comment: Water quality issue needs addressing

It’s also a great magnet for swimmers, anglers, watersports enthusiasts closer to home, along with those wanting just to take the family on a pleasant day out at the seaside.

So the threat that Bexhill might not pass stringent new EU regulations for the quality of seawater from 2015 is disturbing news indeed.

One of the issues which quite literally muddies the waters at times is the main drainage culvert for overflow from Egerton Park Stream.

The Environment Agency has found this drainage system gets overwhelmed when storm overflows can’t cope with a sudden downpour.

Bexhill’s seawater is relatively clear for most of the time, but not enough for the stringent new regulations, according to our report on page 20.

Whatever one thinks of the EU passing new legislation, these upcoming water quality standards are unlikely to go away.

It’s going to need some work and unfortunately, some money, to sort out this issue - for the good of everyone in the town.