EC to sue Britain over 'dirty beaches'

Twenty-two beaches are said to be below standard

Britain is being prosecuted by the European Commission over its alleged failure to meet minimum standards for sewage bacteria in bathing water.

Water quality at 22 British resorts is said to be failing to comply with minimum public health standards.

Environmental campaigners have accused the government of trying to get away with spending the least money possible on keeping British beaches clean.

But ministers say £7bn has been spent in the last decade on improving the quality of bathing water.

EU countries were all supposed to have brought their beaches up to the required standard by 1985.

European Environment Commissioner Margot Wallstrom has accused the UK Government of "foot dragging".

If the judgement goes against Britain, the government could face fines of up to £70,000 a day.

Gaining Blue Flags

This year 55 UK beaches were awarded the European Blue Flag for clean water and sound environmental management.

The total was two less than the previous year, but a great improvement on 1992, when only 17 British beaches gained a Blue Flag.

Blue flag: Premier status

The award is only given to resorts that pass stringent inspections of beach management and safety.

Water must be clean enough to have achieved Guideline Standard - the highest defined by European Law.

Award winners can fly a Blue Flag during the bathing season, from the beginning of June to the end of September.

They must also display water quality and the facilities they provide on easy-to-read signs.