NEARLY all bathing spots in the North-west are clean enough to meet European pollution guidelines, ministers say.
Of the areas monitored in 2002, 97 per cent in the region reached the mandatory standard. Across the UK the figure was the highest ever, at 99 per cent.
Water Minister Elliot Morley said: "We now have bathing water quality to match the best that Europe has to offer."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article