United Utilities has started work on  £4.5 million scheme to help improve bathing waters at Allonby, on Cumbria’s coastline.

The water company is upgrading the local treatment works by the beach, with a new underground storage tank and the installation of ultra-violet equipment.

The scheme will reduce sewer spills and improve the quality of the treated wastewater which is returned to the sea.

In recent Environment Agency bathing water results, Allonby was rated as ‘poor’. United Utilities said the investment would play a valuable part in helping to drive up standards.