THREE beaches in Cumbria are at risk of failing to meet EU water quality standards this year, the Environment Agency has warned.

Allonby, Haverigg and Silloth are among 25 beaches across the country that have been identified as at risk of not meeting the tough new regulations.

In 2014, in the North West, 100 per cent of all designated bathing waters along the coast and all lakes passed the European Union’s standards compared to only 18 per cent in 1988.

Nationally, the English coast was the cleanest since records began, with 99.5 per cent of swimming spots passing water quality tests compared to just 65 per cent in 1988.

However, England’s beaches will be under the microscope this summer as much tougher EU standards come into force.

The new European standards will be twice as tough to pass in a bid by the EU to drive up standards across the continent.

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In response, the Environment Agency is urging water companies, businesses, farmers, local authorities and householders to continue to take action, reduce pollution, and improve bathing water quality further.

From now until September, the Environment Agency will carry out its annual water quality test programme at more than 400 beaches and lakes.

The results will then be made available to beach-goers on the Environment Agency’s new Bathing Water Explorer website.

As part of the new EU standards, from 2016 local councils will have to display signs at all bathing waters showing if the new measures have been passed and whether or not swimming is advised.

In the North West, the Turning Tides Partnership has been working across the region to improve water quality through its LOVEmyBEACH campaign.

Local communities, businesses and schools are getting involved and taking action to reduce pollution.

People are being urged to look after beaches and water quality by not pouring kitchen fats down the sink, checking drains are connected correctly and not feeding the birds.