United Utilities is holding two public exhibitions this week to explain the £100 million-plus programme of work it is planning over the next five years  to upgrade the sewer network along the Fylde Coast in a bid to help further clean up the sea off the coast of Blackpool.

This year bathing waters along the Fylde Coast will be judged for the first time using the new stringent European bathing laws.

Steve Wong United Utilities project co-ordinator said:

“Our engineers will have a presence across Blackpool over the next five years.  During this time work will be taking place at a number of locations including at Lennox Gate Pumping Station, Marton Moss, Fishers Field, Harrowside outfall pipe and Anchorsholme Park.”

Over the last three decades the water company  has invested around £1bn to clean bathing waters,  transforming the quality of bathing waters along the Fylde.

Sarah Jenner, United Utilities bathing water manager, said:

“We have invested heavily upgrading our wastewater network and last year all Blackpool’s bathing waters passed the current standards.

“That said, new standards come into force this year which will make it tougher for some bathing waters to get positive results.”

United Utilities is a partner of Love My Beach, a campaign which brings together various groups, including the Environment Agency, National Farmers Union, Marine Conservation Society, British Destinations, Keep Britain Tidy and three local authorities, including Blackpool Council, to keep the North West’s bathing waters clean.

Visit www.lovemybeach.org for more information.