Canvey beach could become official bathing spot

A beach on the Thames Estuary could become one of 13 new locations to be designated as an official bathing spot.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has proposed that Canvey Island beach in Essex should join the list.

The official designation means the sea there would be subject to regular testing, giving people regular updates on the water quality.

Michael Fuller, the independent portfolio holder for environment at Castle Point Borough Council, hoped the designation would mean more visitors to the area.

"That reassurance for people knowing the water is safe will not only encourage our regular bathers to come but hopefully also new people."

In August, the council ran a public consultation proposing that the stretch between Thorney Bay and the sea pool should be granted the status.

Defra is running its own consultation, inviting people to once again share their opinions, before making a decision in time for the summer season.

Rod Bishop, who regularly swims at Canvey, said: "There's quite a few people who would like to swim in the sea but are quite frightened of doing so because of pollution.

"So having it tested would be a good thing."

The government has also proposed granting the status to Falcon Meadow in Bungay, Suffolk.

Thirteen more designated bathing sites would bring the total in England to 464. Various other spots along the Essex coast have this status already.

Water Minister Emma Hardy said: "Our plans to designate new bathing water sites show how we are backing local ambition and recognising the pride in places that matter most to people."

Last year, campaign group Surfers Against Sewage analysed Environment Agency (EA) data and said the number of pollution incidents recorded by water companies in England was at a 10-year high.

But in November, EA figures revealed the number of bathing sites meeting the minimum standards for water quality had risen slightly.

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