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23
Sept 2023
River Nidd bathing water bid to be sent next month
An application for the River Nidd in Knaresborough to be designated bathing water status is to be submitted to the government next month.
If successful, the move would oblige organisations such as the Environment Agency to take action to clean the Nidd, amid concerns about high sewage levels and bathers falling ill at Knaresborough Lido.
Harrogate and Knaresborough Conservative MP Andrew Jones will submit the application after overseeing a survey of how many people use the Lido during the bathing water season from May 15 to September 30.
Mr Jones said the deadline for sending the application to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs was the end of October. He added:
He said further surveys at the Lido were unlikely due to the colder weather, adding:
The surveying was hampered a change in guidance in early July, but Mr Jones said "we have a committed team of volunteers which enabled us to adjust our plan quickly and fulfil the new criteria".
Water sampling continues
Last month's sampling in Bilton.
Nidd Action Group, which consists of anglers, academics, conservationists and volunteers has undertaken water sampling along the Nidd as part of the clean-up campaign.
The first round of sampling took place last month and a second round is required.
David Clayden, chairman of the group, said:
Knaresborough Lib Dems send message to MP
Knaresborough Town Council gave its backing to the bathing water application this week — but the Liberal Democrat-controlled council added clauses urging the government to do more to protect rivers.
Cllr Kathryn Davies, a Conservative elected in Aspin and Calcutt who took part in the Lido survey, proposed a motion calling for the council to support the application.
It said the Nidd at the Lido was an important resource for the people of Knaresborough and improving water quality "would have significant benefits for the environment, public health, recreation and the local economy".
But David Goode, a Liberal Democrat who represents Castle ward, said the motion "looked like a concerted effort by the Tory party to deflect attention" from allowing water companies to dump sewage in the river.
He proposed additional clauses, which included writing to Mr Jones requesting he "votes against any legislation that weakens planning and environmental policy" and "supports the call for water companies to be turned into public benefit companies with the aim of reducing leaks and sewage dumping, as well as limiting returns to shareholders".
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