Now we can celebrate: Amble’s Little Shore awarded bathing water status
Water quality campaigners in Amble are celebrating as news broke that the Little Shore has been officially designated as a bathing site. It follows a successful application to the government by Coquet River Action Group (CRAG), backed up with strong support from the local community.
📷 l-r: CRAG campaigners Julia Chambers, Carmel Adamson, Jan Walker
The decision means that the Little Shore will now be formally monitored for water quality by the Environment Agency during the bathing season, providing clear public information and stronger protection for swimmers, paddlers, and other water users.
Julia Chambers from CRAG told the Ambler, “Amble’s Little Shore has undergone immense change in the last 60 years from coal port to protected swimming area. Bathing Water Status signals change and progress in our growing community. It will help protect and inform everyone who uses the water. Planning and perseverance will now lead Amble into the future.”
North Northumberland MP David Smith who had backed the application said: “I’m so pleased to see the much‑loved Little Shore in Amble open as a designated bathing site. This recognition is an important milestone and a great boost for the town, and is testament to the community in Amble who have made it happen. I was delighted to champion the bid with the Government last year and I’m delighted to see it succeed.”
📷 Amble Swimblers Anna Willey and Judith Gleave
Amble Swimbler Anna Willey said “I think it will definitely raise Little Shore’s profile in the outdoor swimming world. It will give reassurance to kayak and paddle boarders too, so should help our local water sports businesses. It’s been a great community effort.”
Bathing Water Designation doesn’t mean it’s safe to swim nor that the water quality is excellent, it means that water users are informed and a plan is put in place to sort out pollution issues. The status gives legal responsibility to the Environment Agency for identifying and addressing sources of pollution.
Jamie Day from CRAG said, “CRAG will continue to support the Environment Agency in its work by gathering and monitoring the quality of the waters surrounding Little Shore. It will take time, but the plan developed by the Environment Agency in conjunction with other water stakeholders will protect Amble Little Shore for the long term.
He added, “I’m just so happy for the volunteers that have made this happen. Their efforts led to a groundswell of support from the community for the application. Now we can celebrate!
📷 ‘Ice Viking’ Fenwick Ridley will be with campaigners to celebrate the bathing water news at the Big Splash: 11am Little Shore Sun 24 May.
“The Amble community came together to support the bathing water application and we will now come together again to celebrate our success. Let’s all jump in the water during the Big Splash at the Puffin Festival.”
This year, 13 new areas have been designated as official bathing sites, bringing the total number to over 460 across the country.
See more about CRAG at coquetriveractiongroup.org.
I have a problem with the phrase “let’s all jump into the water during the big splash” the sea is cold and unpredictable and jumping into water should always be avoided. It should be entered slowly in order to avoid cold water shock. The phrase shouldn’t be followed literally. Clumsy wording.