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21
Jul 2023
Last Updated: 20/07/2023
Council backs bid for River Nidd bathing water status
River Nidd at Knaresborough
North Yorkshire Council has backed a proposal to designate bathing water status to the River Nidd.
The motion was brought by Cllr Paul Haslam, who represents Bilton and Nidd Gorge, which called on the authority to support the campaign.
If designation is successful, government agencies would be obliged to take action to improve water quality at Knaresborough Lido. This would also improve water quality on a much wider stretch of the river.
The campaign comes after reports of numerous bathers falling ill last summer.
Cllr Haslam said:
“Knaresborough and the Nidd are one of the many jewels that North Yorkshire is blessed with.
“Knaresborough relies on the river to contribute to the local economy and wellbeing of the population in the form of riverside cafes, recreation on the river with regular bathing at the Lido.”
He added:
“It’s important that people can swim and enjoy the river without risks to their health.”
Read more:
- River Nidd testing begins as clean-up campaign gathers pace
- Yorkshire Water discharged sewage into River Nidd 870 times in 2022
- Andrew Jones MP appeals for help at ‘critical time’ for River Nidd bathing water bid
Councillors voted to support the proposal at a meeting in Northallerton yesterday.
Nidd Action Group and Andrew Jones, the Conservative MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, are leading the campaign.
Following the vote, Mr Jones said he welcomed the support from the council.
He said:
“I am grateful to North Yorkshire councillors for backing this campaign. Bids to designate areas as official bathing water are substantially strengthened by having the support of the local authority.
“I know some seek to make party political points about this issue. I hope that this overwhelming cross-party support brings an end to this. Positive action is what is needed and I am working with local residents, businesses, community organisations and the Nidd Action Group on the bid.
“Success is never a guarantee but I am optimistic and this support from North Yorkshire Council is an important milestone.”
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