TWO giant underground storage tanks with a capacity equivalent to 20 Olympic swimming pools are to be constructed under a Blackpool car park.

The project is part of a massive clean up operation of the resort's coastal waters - a final attempt to conform to set EU standards.

Work begins next month in a bid to fly the coveted Blue Flag of European-standard beach cleanliness over the seafront.

A survey published by the Marine Conservation Society and Readers' Digest reported continuing poor sea water quality along the Fylde Coast.

But the water authority is confident the ten-month prioject will put an end to criticism.

Scientists were baffled that North West Water's £200 million new sewage treatment facilities at Fleetwood and Clifton Marsh had failed to solve the problem.

Now, the Environment Agency has tracked the cause - attributing problems to sewage flows from inland towns and dilute sewage from storm overflows.

Consequently, £100 million is to be spent to deliver long-term improvements to coastal water quality.

North West Water is currently awaiting final approval from OFWAT before beginning the work on Bloomfield Road car park in July.

The tanks will have a capacity of 60,000 cubic metres in total - equivalent to 20 Olympic-sized pools.

Project manager Robert Tidswell said: "The aim is to reduce the number of storm water overflows during heavy rainfall.

"Underground storage tanks will help prevent these discharges by holding back the flow of water until storm conditions subside."

He added: "We would ask local people, hoteliers and visitors to bear with us.

"The work is an important part of our commitment to improve bathing waters."

A temporary alternative car park is to be set up opposite the South Shore site.

The work is expected to be completed by the end of May 1999.

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