Is it safe to swim in the sea?

Lucy Siegle writing in The Guardian today poses that question - see here. The Ruscombe Brook Action Group was formed because of sewage incidents, so it is sad to see that authorities are still not getting their act together....

....."this year water bathing quality classified as excellent has fallen to its lowest level since 2000....And, in two years, when EU standards come in which are twice as strict in terms of tolerance of microbial loads in water samples, 50 British beaches might be condemned."

Key flood consultation - agreement re insurance but where next?

During the Flooding in November 2012 the Prime Minister made a brief visit to Gloucestershire and attended a Strategic Coordinating Group meeting re flooding. The issue of access to affordable insurance for households in flood prone or affected areas was raised with him, and was accepted as an area that needed addressing. This is not just a local issue and has been highlighted around the country - and been an issue raised at the previously active Stroud Valleys Water Forum.

On 27th June a joint announcement was made by the Government and insurers on a memorandum of understanding :  https://www.gov.uk/government/news/flood-insurance-agreement-reached
Alongside of this announcement, the Government is consulting over the longer term approach to flood insurance.  The consultation document is at: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/insurance-in-areas-of-flood-risk

The direct link to the consultation is https://consult.defra.gov.uk/flooding/floodinsurance