Bathing water quality in Yorkshire will be overseen by a renewed regional partnership chaired by former MP Sir Robert Goodwill. The partnership aims to improve transparency, strengthen governance and support progress across coastal and inland bathing waters.
Renewed focus on bathing water quality
The Yorkshire Bathing Water Partnership brings together Yorkshire Water, the Environment Agency and local authorities responsible for bathing water locations across the region.
The appointment follows a full renewal of the partnership’s structure and governance. As a result, the group will initially focus on sites with a poor classification and on future designated bathing waters across Yorkshire.
Governance role for Sir Robert Goodwill
Sir Robert previously attended bathing water partnership meetings while serving as MP for Scarborough and Whitby. In his new role, he will help steer the partnership and work with other bathing water chairs across the country to share learning.
His appointment comes as bathing water quality remains under scrutiny across England, with communities, regulators and utilities facing growing pressure to improve river and coastal water standards.
Stakeholder engagement and transparency
One of Sir Robert’s first tasks will be to appoint an independent stakeholder representative. The role is expected to bring together local interest groups and improve communication between communities and the partnership.
“The quality of our bathing waters is important to everyone in our region, whether that’s their use of waters for recreation or for its influence on tourism,” Sir Robert said.
He added that the partnership would explore opportunities to improve coastal and inland bathing waters across Yorkshire, while addressing the challenges involved in delivering progress.
Partnership board to meet in August
The inaugural board meeting of the renewed Yorkshire Bathing Water Partnership is expected to take place in August. The group will then begin work on its regional priorities and engagement structure.
The approach reflects a wider shift towards collaborative water quality governance, with utilities, regulators and local authorities working more closely on bathing water improvements.
