Coniston given bathing water status

Subject to a two-week consultation, the Environment Agency will create 27 new designated swimming spots across England, including three in Coniston.

If designated, sites will receive regular water monitoring from the Environment Agency, who will investigate pollution sources and identify steps to be taken in response, which could include actions by water companies, farmers and others.

Last March, the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) rejected bids for bathing water status for Coniston and also the River Kent at Staveley.

However, Coniston Parish Council resubmitted their bid which has today been given the green light by the Government.

Tim Farron, MP for the area, said: "I’m delighted that the Government have finally seen sense and granted Coniston bathing water status.

"I want to thank the local community in Coniston, especially Coniston Parish Council and local Lib Dem councillor Suzanne Pender who have been working so hard on this for several years.

"However it remains infuriating that the Government has to be dragged kicking and screaming to take action on water quality.

"If the Government really cares about stopping sewage dumping in Coniston and our other beautiful lakes and rivers, then it must now also tax the enormous profits of water companies and use that money to improve our sewage system."