Three popular swimming sites in Shropshire stand to benefit from protective health standards as ‘designated bathing waters’ under plans announced by the Environment Agency, which is seeking views on the proposals. This includes two spots on the River Severn in Ironbridge and Shrewsbury, respectively, as well as at the River Teme in Ludlow, upstream of Dinham Bridge. Stuart Anderson, South Shropshire’s Conservatives Candidate, is urging residents to have their say before the survey closes on 10th March.
There are more than 400 bathing waters in England. In 2023, 96% of bathing waters in England met at least the minimum standard, and 90% were rated as ‘good’ or ‘excellent’ - up from just 76% in 2010, despite the classification standards becoming stricter in 2015. The Government now wants to see more bathing waters and rivers designated and has set out plans to designate the largest-ever number of new bathing water sites, with 27 spots across England being proposed, including three in Shropshire.
If designated as bathing waters, the Environment Agency will monitor the water quality and classify them in line with the health protective standards of the Bathing Water Regulations (2013). This will result in annual classification published on its Swimfo website, informing people about the results and when and where they can bathe. Action plans are put in place for all ‘poor’ waters (currently 4 per cent of bathing waters).
The plans are part of the Government’s action to improve water quality across the country. The Plan for Water sets out more investment, stronger regulation, and tougher enforcement to clean up our water quality. The Government is also driving the largest infrastructure programme in water company history - £60 billion capital investment over 25 years. Water companies are already investing £3.1 billion between 2020 and 2025. The Plan front-loads action in particularly important and sensitive areas, including designated bathing waters.
Stuart Anderson said: “Outdoor water-based activities like swimming can have a positive impact on people’s physical and mental wellbeing. The three sites in Shropshire being proposed for designation as bathing waters are popular swimming spots among both residents and tourists. If designated, they will benefit from the protective health standards upheld by the Environment Agency, enabling people to have confidence in the safety and quality of the swimming spots. I would encourage all residents to have their say before the consultation closes on 10 March 2024.”
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.”
The plans are subject to a two-week consultation by the Environment Agency, closing on 10th March 2024. All residents, bathers, businesses, and organisations, including those who use the sites in Shropshire, are being invited to have their say. The consultation can be completed at www.gov.uk/government/consultations/bathing-waters-proposed-designation-of-27-new-bathing-waters-in-england.
