WORCESTER'S MP is coming under pressure to intervene deeper into the Brexit negotiations by protecting Britain's beaches.

Labour Councillor Richard Udall says many county people holiday at places like Weston, giving its relative proximity and easy access from the motorway.

The veteran figure, who chairs Worcestershire County Council's Labour group, says he fears Brexit will result in a bonfire of environmental regulations.

City MP Robin Walker has been sent an open letter urging him to lobby ministers to ensure protections over beaches and coastal areas are protected.

Councillor Udall said the issue is too important to be left to MPs in the constituencies directly affected.

He said: "Most of our environmental protection legislation has come from the EU - pollution does not recognise international boundaries and co-operation between nations is essential to protect our coastline and our environment.

"Worcester is a long way from the sea, but that does not mean Worcester residents are not worried about the consequences of losing the legislation that protects us from pollution and prevents environmental disasters.

"It is not just coastline communities that need protection, Worcester residents who go on day trips to the sea and have holidays on the coast also need assurances that the Brexit vote will not be used as an excuse to cut the regulations that protect our environment."

He also wants Mr Walker to join a parliamentary group to protect coasts, something which pressure groups have already helped secure.

Mr Walker has sent Councillor Udall a detailed reply saying "we must do all we can to protect the environment" post-referendum.

The note, seen by the Worcester News, also points out that much of Britain's environmental protections were originated by MPs in parliament, with his late father Lord Walker responsible for a lot of it during Ted Heath's government. 

He said: "My late father was our first Secretary of State for Environment before we joined the EU, and began some of the work that led to the UK playing a leading role in designing and supporting EU regulations in this space.

"Our rivers and seas are vital national, international and environmental assets and I think it is essential we maintain standards of cleanliness in all of them.

"Due to the UK's remaining overseas territories we also have an important role to play in setting standards and defending biodiversity worldwide and the UK has led the world in supporting marine conservation areas.

"I wholly agree with you that we need to keep up our leadership in this space and I will do what I can to ensure that we do."