COBO’S failure to meet basic water quality has shocked people who have an interest in the beach. It is arguably Guernsey’s most popular bay, attracting thousands of people every summer, but its water is below the European Union legal minimum standard.
The Marine Conservation Society published its Good Beach Guide for 2008 yesterday and announced that the west coast beach was the only one in Guernsey to fail the basic test. Pembroke Bay failed last year, but has recovered to receive a basic pass, while L’Eree and Port Soif are the island’s only beaches to be recommended by the society.
Dave Nussbaumer, proprietor of the Rockmount Hotel on the Cobo Coast Road, said he was concerned by the findings. ‘Dear, oh dear, that’s disappointing,’ he said.
‘People are more and more concerned about the environment so I think people do take note of it. I don’t know if it will bother the locals as much as the visitors, but it’s bound to put people off.’
Mr Nussbaumer said he thought only a minority of people would avoid Cobo because of the failure.
‘I’m more concerned about the quality of the sea,’ he said. ‘I’m not concerned about the Rockmount, just that standards have dropped. I hope it’s just a blip for this year and we get back to passing next year.’
The businessman said that he was sure the Environment Department would look at the findings and do all it could to help the area.
He added that he hoped people would stick with the beach.
‘I think the local people who have been coming to Cobo for many years will hopefully know it’s not bad and carry on, but people will take notice of it for sure,’ he said.
The MCS claimed storm pollution could have caused Cobo’s failure, but also lambasted Guernsey for its continued policy of pumping raw sewage into the sea at Belle Greve Bay.
Castel senior constable Dave Chester said he agreed with the storm theory.
‘It might be the stream pollution,’ he said.
‘Storm water that is coming off the fields and the roads due to the high rainfall last year, that would have added to the problem. There is not a great deal you can do about that.
‘It’s of extreme concern to everyone who swims there, though. I don’t think people will heed it one jot, but from a public health point of view, it’s very concerning.’
Commerce and Employment said it was not concerned about the news having an adverse affect on tourism.
‘It is encouraging to hear that Pembroke Bay has achieved EU standard this year, but disappointing to learn that Cobo Bay has not,’ a spokesman said.
‘In relation to off-island promotion, VisitGuernsey campaigns centre around a wealth of things to see and do rather than focusing on one particular beach or scenic location.
‘This includes highlighting our varied coastline, walking, cycling, good food, visitor attractions, our fascinating heritage and an excellent lifestyle.’
Article posted on 24th May, 2008 - 9.29am
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