Conservative MP Andrew Jones has issued a plea for volunteers to help in the campaign to achieve bathing water status on the River Nidd.
Mr Jones plans to submit an application for bathing water status at Knaresborough Lido after reports of numerous bathers falling ill last summer.
If successful, it would oblige government agencies to take action to improve water quality.
In a three-minute video on his Community News website, the Harrogate and Knaresborough MP blamed the Victorian-era sewage system, run-off from agricultural land and drainage from housing estates for polluting the Nidd.
He asked for volunteers to help with the campaign. He said:
“May this year is a critical time as it marks the start of the bathing season when evidence must be collected for the bathing water application that I’m leading.
“This campaign is building momentum but we can’t let it slide. That’s why I’m calling out to anyone who is passionate about our environment or who uses the River Nidd to come forward and help with the volunteer work.”
Mr Jones said data would be collected over summer and urged anyone interested in helping to get in touch.
He said he would be working alongside Nidd Action Group between now and September to apply for bathing water designation.
Steve Kirkley, from Blenkhorn’s Boats
Steve Kirkley, from Blenkhorn’s Boats, which operates boat hire on the Nidd, told the video improved water quality would “lead to more enjoyable surroundings” while David Clayden, secretary of Harrogate Fly Fishers’ Club, said it would create “a better environment for the river”.
Nicola Shaw, chief executive of Yorkshire Water, said it was important to work in partnership to improve water quality.
‘Nidd plagued by foul sewage’
This week Tom Gordon, the Liberal Democrat prospective parliamentary candidate for Harrogate and Knaresborough, accused Conservative MPs of “blocking new tough measures on water companies” to tackle sewage discharge.
Mr Gordon said the Sewage Discharge Bill would have introduced automatic fines on water companies breaking their sewage dumping permits but Conservative MPs voted to block it.
Mr Gordon, said:
“The Nidd has been plagued by foul sewage discharges. People across Harrogate and Knaresborough are furious about this, yet the Conservative government keeps blocking new laws to get tough on water companies.”
Read more:
- River Nidd testing begins as clean-up campaign gathers pace
- Yorkshire Water discharged sewage into River Nidd 870 times in 2022
Meeting called to hear concerns about state of River Nidd
Anglers, Yorkshire Water and Andrew Jones MP are to meet this month to discuss concerns about the quality of water in the River Nidd.
The meeting will focus on the foul smell and state of the river near Darley sewage treatment works.
But it will also consider the wider issue of the Nidd’s health, which is under the spotlight after a spate of young people who swam in it fell ill during last month’s heatwave.
Seven angling groups that fish from the source of the Nidd to where it flows into the Ouse will be represented at the meeting by Harrogate Fly Fishers’ Club, which is based in Darley.
The meeting, at Darley Memorial Hall, will also be attended by Harrogate and Knaresborough Conservative MP Andrew Jones, Darley and Menwith Parish Council and Yorkshire Water.
Anglers have requested Yorkshire Water provide data about the design and operation of Darley sewage treatment works.
The Environmental Information Regulations provide a statutory right of access to environmental information held by public bodies.
Read more:
- Sickness outbreak prompts concerns River Nidd is not safe for swimming
- UK’s largest weir removal project begins on River Nidd at Scotton
David Clayden, honorary secretary of Harrogate Fly Fishers’ Club, said there were concerns about the amount of sewage being pumped into the Nidd and he hoped the meeting might lead to some answers. He said:
“We are trying to understand why Yorkshire Water think the Nidd is OK when it doesn’t seem like it is to us.”
Mr Clayden added that the river was fishing well but dead trout and grayling could often be seen floating on the surface.
The Nidd is predominantly a fly fishing river containing trout and grayling but the lower reaches contain significant numbers of coarse fish, such as roach and chub.
A Yorkshire Water spokesperson said:
“We’re due to meet with the MP and the local angling group to discuss the operation of our treatment works, as well as listen to any points they would like to raise about the health of the river.”