A WEST Dorset beach is expected to fall short of new bathing water quality standards.

Church Cliff Beach in Lyme Regis is projected to fail new EU water quality tests this year, according to the Environment Agency.

The beach is one of 25 beaches across the country that could miss the new EU regulations - but a councillor has suggested that the water standard have not dropped at Church Cliff.

Cllr Daryl Turner who represents Lyme Regis at county, district and town level said the new legislation is the problem.

"The water down there is actually quite clean" he said. "I would say that it's not become any worse, but the standards are now much higher.

"I feel the legislation is more of the issue than anything else. South West Water have made some vast investment over the last few years, so it looks to me like there isn't that much that can practically be done to raise the quality much higher. It would be very difficult to control, even with new technology coming into place."

South West Water has constructed a 75-cubic metre storage tank at Uplyme Sewage Treatment Works to reduce the number of storm discharges during extreme wet weather.

The new European standards will be twice as tough to pass in a bid by the EU to drive up standards across Europe.

Last year, the English coast was the cleanest since records began, with 99.5 percent of swimming spots passing water quality tests, compared to just 65 percent in 1988.

The Environment Agency is urging water companies, businesses, farmers and local authorities to continue to take action to reduce pollution and improve the quality of bathing waters.

Ed Mitchell, executive director of environment and business at the Environment Agency, said: “Water quality at English beaches is better than it’s ever been after it reached record levels last year, and we are working hard with others to improve it further still.

“Good bathing water quality is essential for people’s health, local tourism and economic growth, and everyone can play their part. We want water companies, businesses, farmers, local authorities and people living, working or visiting seaside towns to help us improve water quality."

As part of the new EU standards, from 2016, local councils will have to display signs at all bathing waters showing if the new measures have been passed and whether or not swimming is advised.