Fordingbridge River Avon closer to getting bathing status
A campaign was set up last year to gain the designation
A campaign to get a Fordingbridge waterway designated for bathing is a step closer.
It's now subject to a two week consultation, currently underway by the Environment Agency.
They're looking to bring a total of 27 new bathing water sites across the country.
If designated, the sites would receive regular water monitoring by the Environment Agency, which would investigate pollution sources and identify steps to be taken in response.
People would be able to see whether it was safe to swim in the waters, which include popular 'wild swimming' spots.
Defra said last year 96% of bathing waters in England met minimum annual standards and 90% were rated as 'good' or 'excellent'.
There were 424 designated bathing waters in England in 2023, with only a handful of them inland, and the vast majority on the coast.
Making the announcement on what was described as the largest ever rollout of new bathing sites, water minister Robbie Moore said:
"Many people enjoy spending time in our rivers, lakes and coastal beaches, and I am very aware of the value they bring in terms of social, health and wellbeing benefits.
"I want to continue to improve the quality of our bathing waters, which is why we are taking action across the board to drive up standards and hold water companies to account.
"I encourage all local communities and organisations with an interest to take part in this consultation and have their say."
Defra said the sites put forward for consultation, which runs until March 10th, were chosen based on how many people bathe there and whether it has suitable facilities such as toilets.