This year’s bathing water quality results have been announced and Torbay’s beaches are continuing to meet the highest European standards.

Of the 15 designated bathing waters in Torbay this year 9 have kept their excellent standard.

Throughout the last few bathing seasons Torbay Council have worked hard and used a range of strategies to keep the bathing water at an excellent level. One of the strategies used includes the use of a robotic bird that helps to scare away seagulls as faeces from these birds have an impact on the quality of the bathing water. This, and along with the dog bylaw of no dogs allowed on the beaches during the summer season, help to keep the water quality high.

Torbay’s Mayor, Gordon Oliver, said: “I’m delighted to see that Torbay has been awarded these excellent results for the 2017 bathing season. With the help of these strategies and our partnership with South West Water and the Environment Agency we are continuing to build on the high standards we have set ourselves. Our aim is to continually make sure our residents and visitors can paddle and bathe in top quality water."

Users of the beaches are now being kept informed about the quality of the bathing water at Goodrington Sands and Torre Abbey by the use of electronic signs. These signs provide up to date bathing water quality information and daily forecasts. The sign, which is provided by Defra, gives the day’s quality prediction each morning during the bathing season.