Bathing water plan an 'important moment' for town

A proposal to make part of a tidal river an official bathing spot has been welcomed as a "really important moment" by a councillor.

The Environment Agency named the River Fowey in Lostwithiel, Cornwall, as among 13 proposed new designated bathing spots across England.

Designation would mean sites were subject to regular water quality testing - campaigners in some areas have said they hoped it would increase the pressure to clean up rivers and coasts.

Sarah Preece, Cornwall Councillor for Lostwithiel and Lanreath, said: "This is a really important moment for us in Losithiel. For the most part, the water is very clean here and we want to keep that way."

Preece said bathing water status would mean "we have a protection in law... we can signal if there is any polluted water".

"Anyone who knows this area in summer knows this river is full of children and families," she said.

"It's a beautiful, pristine place to swim."

Lostwithiel River Swimmers and Lostwithiel Environmental Action Group had campaigned for protected status.

Lostwithiel resident Lin Chapman said: "We've swum here for generations in this river.

"We want to make sure it's safe for the future generations and enjoy it like we all have, so I think it will make a huge difference."

A consultation on the proposed bathing waters is open until 23 March.

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