Blackpool beach in the UK 1990 and 2016 — Blackpool Beach in 1990 when it was covered in raw sewage and other waste and cleaned up in 2016 when it now has blue flag status. Photograph: Vanessa Miles/Greenpeace

The EU's effect on Blackpool's beaches – before and after pictures

This article is more than 7 years old

As Brexit puts the future of EU laws protecting the environment in doubt, Greenpeace sent photographer Vanessa Miles to Blackpool to recreate a series of images she took in 1990 when just one in five UK beaches met bathing guidelines

Blackpool beaches

In 1988, just six of 29 waters surveyed around the Blackpool region met the EU’s bathing water guidelines. By 2014, all of the northern seaside resort’s beaches passed the EU test, after some £1bn was spent on clean water improvements.

Blackpool beaches

This year, almost 95% of British beaches were given a clean bill of health in the latest EU survey of coastal water quality, down slightly on two years ago.

Blackpool beaches

One of Blackpool’s beaches recently won its first blue flag international award for cleanliness.

Blackpool beaches

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