Delight as Little Shore shortlisted for official bathing water status
News that Amble’s Little Shore has been shortlisted as an officially designated bathing spot has been welcomed by campaigners as ‘absolutely fantastic’.
đź“· Campaigners at Amble’s Little Shore. Photo by Jim Donnelly
The Little Shore is one of thirteen new sites across the country to be considered for official bathing water status, and the only one in the North East.
Julia Chambers, one of the campaigners to get the popular Amble beach officially designated as a bathing site told The Ambler the news was “absolutely fantastic.”
The government is proposing to increase the number of officially designated bathing sites, and has drawn up the shortlist from submissions by locals which were put forward last year. Now there is a six-week public consultation for those involved, and Julia encouraged everyone to take part.
The 13 proposed new sites on the government’s list include beaches, rivers and coastal waters that are already popular with swimmers, reflecting growing public interest in outdoor swimming and connecting with local blue spaces.
North Northumberland MP David Smith told The Ambler: “North Northumberland has some of the best beaches in the country and I’m delighted that Little Shore is being considered as one of the first new bathing sites in a number of years. This is another opportunity to celebrate Northumberland.”
đź“· A campaign to designate the Little Shore as an official bathing site has been gathering momentum. Photo by Jim Donnelly
Julia thanked everyone who had helped the campaigners get this far. “It was really wonderful to work along with so many groups in the community to help bring this about. From the Harbour Commission to the Town Council, Women’s Institute to Swimblers, Rotary to Business. People who aren’t shy with their opinions to other who are quietly resolute. All brought energy and thoughts to getting this done.”
She added, “Bathing water status is the best protection we can get for our river and it has been a real pleasure to be part of that.”
Amble’s campaign
In Amble, a campaign was launched by local swimmers, water users, and Coquet River Action Group (CRAG) a group of citizen science volunteers.
đź“· Swimblers campaigning on the Little Shore. Photo by Jim Donnelly
If the Little Shore is granted Bathing Water status, then the Environment Agency is required to assess the water quality and investigate sources of pollution and recommend measures to improve water quality.
The Local Authority must put up signs during the bathing season providing information about the quality of the water if there is a pollution incident, and warn the public about sources of pollution.
Designated Bathing Waters are regularly tested for water quality throughout the bathing season (15 May – 30 September).
đź“· Amble’s Little Shore. Photo by Carle Robinson
The sites under consultation are:
-
- Little Shore, Amble, Northumberland, a crescent of sand between the River Coquet and the North Sea popular with locals
- Newton and Noss Creeks, Devon, a narrow tidal inlet just off the River Yealm in the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
- Canvey Island Foreshore, Essex, a unique family favourite sandy beach.
- Sandgate Granville Parade Beach, Kent, shingle beach enjoyed by swimmers, and kayakers.
- Queen Elizabeth Gardens Salisbury, Wiltshire, one of Salisbury’s most cherished parks opened in the early 1960s to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II
- East Beach at West Bay, Bridport, Dorset, filming location for the iconic ITV drama Broadchurch.
- Pangbourne Meadow, Berkshire, a meadow and river in the area that inspired The Wind in the Willows
- River Fowey in Lostwithiel, Cornwall, a scenic tidal river, flowing through the heart of the town
- River Swale in Richmond, Yorkshire, with dramatic waterfalls over limestone steps
- Falcon Meadow, Bungay, Suffolk, a riverside community space on the River Waveney
- River Thames at Ham and Kingston, Greater London, which could become London’s first river bathing site on the Thames
- New Brighton Beach (East), Merseyside, a sandy seaside resort at the mouth of the Mersey Estuary
- River Dee at Sandy Lane, Chester, Cheshire, a popular spot for families and water sports
Anna Williams
Well done. Our beaches and waters are precious. Delighted Ambles little shore has received safe water status. đź‘Ťđź‘Ťđź’•đź’•
The beach is shortlisted, it hasn’t yet been approved