WEST Somerset MP Rachel Gilmour has written to Wessex Water chief executive Ruth Jefferson questioning what was being done to improve Duster and Blue Anchor beaches after they received brown ‘poo’ flags for a third successive year.

Mrs Gilmour accepted efforts had been made to improve water quality, but remained ‘deeply concerned’ the beaches fell short of standards expected by residents and visitors.

She said: “The ongoing classification risks undermining confidence in the area and may well have wider implications for community wellbeing, tourism, and local businesses.

“Given the importance of these beaches to the local economy and environment, I would be grateful if you could outline specific steps being taken to resolve this situation.”

Mrs Gilmour wanted to understand the actions being taken and the timeframe for improvement.