Britons urged to 'avoid' dirtiest beach in the UK this summer with highest E.Coli rates
THE DIRTIEST beach in the UK has been named in a new study by BusinessWaste.co.uk which analysed 425 beaches across the country. What beach should holidaymakers avoid at all costs this summer?
Cornwall: RNLI rescue man in difficulty off Fistral Beach
According to the research, which analysed the total count of E. Coli detected in the seawater over the past two years, the dirtiest beach in the UK is St Annes Beach, in Lancashire.
St Annes Beach was named Britain’s dirtiest beach with a very high E. coli score.
Travellers who visited the summer spot last year shared their thoughts on Tripadvisor with Nicos saying: "Visited recently. Whilst the beach was ok, the lack of public toilet facilities was a disgrace. Not just here but down towards Lytham was the same."
Another one, Richard, left another negative review: "The beach is always left filthy. People barbecuing ignoring signs.
"Ask the poor locals who go out themselves to clean the filth left on it. Avoid it at all costs."
READ MORE: Portugal issues travel warning affecting thousands - 'avoid flying'
However, other visitors had a different experience and truly enjoyed St Annes Beach.
Holidaymaker Cameron M, who travelled to St Annes this month, explained: "A vast beach that is very clean and mostly dog-friendly except for a small area near the pier. The tide goes out a long way, a lot of sand and the water is shallow and safe for kids.
"Plenty of amenities nearby make this one of the best beaches for long sunny days out with or without family and dogs."
Treyarnon Bay in Cornwall, on the other hand, is Britain’s cleanest beach out of 425 analysed, having just an E. Coli count of 50, the lowest level.
In fact, Cornwall is home to five out of the 10 cleanest beaches in Britain, making it a top spot for a summer staycation.
Mark Hall, the co-founder of BusinessWaste.co.uk, commented: “With summer travel back to normal this year, deciding on a beach spot may be a hot topic over the next few months.
"You will probably avoid beaches that are filled with litter and washed-up plastic waste, but you may not instantly think about what dangerous bacteria may be lingering in the water.
"We hope that our study on the cleanest and dirtiest beaches will help you make that all-important decision, and we urge you to stay safe in those coastal waters too!”
READ MORE: Flight attendant shares ‘life-changing’ packing tip
The dirtiest beaches in Britain:
St Annes Beach, Lancashire
Plymouth Hoe East Beach, Devon
Bowleaze Cove, Dorset
Thurlestone South, Devon
Cleethorpes Beach, Lincolnshire
Scarborough South Bay, North Yorkshire
Blackpool Central Beach, Lancashire
Broadstairs, Viking Bay, Lancashire
Lyme Regis Front Beach, Dorset
Anstey’s Cove Torquay, Devon
The cleanest beaches in Britain:
Treyarnon Bay, Cornwall
Shell Bay, Dorset
Kimmeridge Bay, Dorset
Kennack Sands, Cornwall
Durdle Door East, Dorset
Constantine Bay, Cornwall
Combesgate Beach, Devon
Church Cove, Cornwall
Poole Shore Road Beach, Dorset
Praa Sands East, Cornwall