Campaign to get River Avon in Fordingbridge classed as bathing water
A group's been set up to apply for the designated status
A campaign's been set up with the aim of securing 'bathing water status' for the River Avon in Fordingbridge.
The stretch of water that runs past the Recreation Ground is hugely popular with families, wild swimmers, paddleboarders and canoeists.
The Fordingbridge Avon Bathers (FAB) group wants to apply for a designated status, to ensure improved water quality.
The FAB group say on their social media page:
"If successful, achieving designated bathing water status will mean the Environment Agency will monitor the site, informing bathers of how safe the water is to enter. This will help water users understand the water quality in our local environment and force polluters to take action to clean up the waterway."
The benefits for fish and other wildlife using the river have also been highlighted.
The group's been carrying out regular surveys of how many people are using the waterway, to help build a case for the designated status.
Online questionnaires have also been set up for local people to have their say - with versions for individuals and local businesses.
Nearly 300 responses have been sent in so far.