Blackpool's beaches pass bathing water test
Blackpool's beaches have passed the Environment Agency water bathing tests for the first time in eight years.
Councillor Fred Jackson, responsible for urban regeneration, said: "It's absolutely brilliant news."
But neighbouring St Annes and Fleetwood have failed, according to the agency's latest figures.
All resorts however face stricter EU standards in two years and some resorts may have to post notices advising against bathing.
Bathing water has reached the approved standard on all four beaches in the resort, Blackpool South, Blackpool Central, Blackpool North and Bispham.
Mr Jackson said the council was "incredibly proud of this achievement", adding: "It's a huge testament to all our hard work, as well as a brilliant showcase of the partnership work taking place across the Fylde coast to help bring our bathing waters up to scratch.
"We now need to continue our hard work to ensure we meet the new tougher European standards that are being introduced in 2015."
But Paul Maynard (Conservative) MP for Blackpool North and Cleveleys said councils still have to "redouble" their efforts.
"While I'm pleased that the two sample points in my constituency passed at the minimum (though not the higher) standards, it is clear there remains much work to do on the Fylde Coast with the failures at Fleetwood and St Anne's," he said.
Mr Maynard added: "There is still an awful long way to go to avoid the 'No swimming here' signs which loom".