'We need a better understanding of what is causing the town's water quality to fall short'. 

This is the message from Burnham-on-Sea MP, James Heappey, who called on ministers for support to improve the town's bathing water quality rating in a lively debate in the House of Commons on November 14.

The MP raised the issue in Parliament after the Bathing Water Quality Group said they were 'disappointed' after Burnham beach received a 'poor' rating under new tougher water standards.

Mr Heappey said 'significant improvements' have been made to the town's water quality over the last few years and said he is 'hoping for further progress as soon as possible'.

“Wessex Water is to be congratulated on the huge amount it has spent on improving the sewerage systems throughout the catchment.

“There has also been an improvement in the behaviour of local residents, businesses and the council.

"Things like, putting out better bins so there are less seagulls and good practice from dog walkers on the beach, which is great news," Mr Heappey said “But the area we are still not quite there with is in understanding which farmers within this enormous catchment are having the most impact on the bathing water quality."

The MP said he has been 'pushing' Natural England and the Environment Agency to understand how farmers are having an impact on water quality and called on ministers to support him in making improvements.

“I think that some ministerial support might be useful in making sure that we do a full and accurate audit so we understand exactly which farms are contributing to the bathing water quality challenge as we have and that we can target the grants for improving farmyards and waste water run off in a way that directly impacts on bathing water in Burnham-on-Sea,” Mr Heappey said.