Warnings to stay out of polluted rivers, as volunteers call for better signage warning of dangers
BETTER weather (maybe) and lighter evenings have triggered fresh calls for people to be given a clear message not to go for a swim in the Avon after campaigners and the Environment Agency said it was a no-go area.
The obvious splash-point is the Old Bathing Place at the Fisherman’s car park in Stratford and the district council has vowed to do better with its warning signs there after concerns were raised about how effective they were.
Repeated testing has shown the water there is often a cocktail you would not want to consume at any time of the year, but with more people potentially arriving in town over the next few months – and wild swimming increasingly popular – the alarm bells have been sounded about the quality of the information on offer.
Community testers have been monitoring the Avon and Stour, one of the volunteers, Anna Pike, told the Herald: “With the very high levels of nitrate and phosphate pollution that have been recorded in the Avon this year, I certainly won't be swimming in it. It would be helpful if the district council placed readable signs in popular spots warning the public of the risks associated with ingesting water with high levels of these pollutants.”
And the case for staying out of the water is echoed by the Environment Agency which is quite clear that the Avon is not for swimming.
A spokesperson said: “On the River Avon we monitor water quality for wildlife through monthly water quality sampling. This includes monitoring for nitrates and phosphates, with data published online.”
“We understand the increasing interest to use England’s rivers for recreation and to access the proven benefits to physical and mental health and wellbeing.
“However, up until very recently rivers have not been managed for this purpose, and there is not a bathing water on the River Avon.”
Throughout the bathing water season – May to September – the agency monitors bathing water quality and issues daily pollution risk forecasts.
The spokesperson added: “We are clear that polluting our rivers is unacceptable and we will take tough action against companies which break the rules.
“Anyone who witnesses any environmental incidents should report them to our 24/7 hotline on 0800 807060.”
While issuing that blanket statement on the unsuitability of the Avon for swimmers, it pointed out warning signs were the responsibility of the landowner. In the case of the Fisherman’s car park, that’s Stratford District Council.
The Herald raised concerns about the notices the council had put in place last October and a spokesperson said: “I’m told the signs are looking a little worn and weathered now and that they are being replaced next week.”
Though warning off anyone who fancied a dip in the Avon, the Environment Agency spokesperson offered an alternative: “We encourage members of the public to swim at one of the 400 designated bathing waters which can be found on the Swimfo website.”
A quick look at that site shows it’s quite a trek down the Fosse for Herald readers to find the nearest site… Cotswold Country Park and Beach, near Cirencester. But organised open water swimming sessions are available much closer to home with information available from the venues or organisers.
