Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Andrew Jones has said he intends to submit a case to government to achieve designated bathing water status on the River Nidd next year.
Concerns about Nidd water quality increased in summer this year following reports of numerous people falling ill after entering the water.
A campaign to achieve bathing water status on the Nidd near the Lido at Knaresborough would oblige the Environment Agency to put plans in place to monitor and protect the water.
Writing on his Community News website, Mr Jones said he intends to work with businesses and residents to submit a case to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in 2023.
He said:
“One feature of last year was the ‘yah-boo’ over the quality of our waterways. No-one has ever voted to put sewage in our rivers but putting that bit of political nonsense aside there is a serious point. Our water quality isn’t good enough.
“We use Victorian infrastructure in our sewers and we allow pesticides and animal waste from agricultural rainwater run-off into rivers.
“Over summer, I will be working with residents and businesses to submit a case to DEFRA to designate the River Nidd at the Lido in Knaresborough as an area of bathing water quality. This will mean the Environment Agency has to monitor the water quality and plan to improve it.”
Read more:
- Campaign launched to achieve bathing water status on River Nidd
- Andrew Jones MP ‘confident’ of achieving bathing water status for River Nidd
Mr Jones, who secured a debate on the matter in parliament this year, has previously said he is “confident” that there is a case for designating the area as bathing water status.
The Conservative MP also met with Rebecca Pow, environmental quality minister, to raise the issue this month.
Cllr Hannah Gostlow, Liberal Democrat councillor for Knaresborough East on North Yorkshire County Council, said efforts had also been made by the town council and local community to clean up the Nidd.
She said:
“We read with interest Andrew Jones’ commitment to improve the water quality of the Nidd and we certainly welcome any efforts to support our campaign, but his recent voting record in parliament shows the reality is exactly the opposite to his words.
“I am also pleased to report that Knaresborough Town Council have allocated funds towards the community’s efforts to clean up the Nidd and make it safer for bathers and wildlife.”
