A Suffolk MP has welcomed news that a section of the river Deben has moved a step closer to becoming a designated bathing water site, despite another stretch missing out.
Therese Coffey, who represents Suffolk Coastal, was reacting to the decision by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) that the section of the river at Waldringfield should go to consultation.
READ MORE: 1,158 back safe swimming status for Suffolk's River Deben
However, DEFRA rejected a separate application for bathing water status for a section of the river at Woodbridge after deeming that the criteria for achieving the recognition had not been met.
If the Waldringfield application is successful, the Environment Agency will regularly take samples from the river during the bathing season - between May and September - to assess the water quality.
Ms Coffey said: “So many people enjoy this particular stretch of the Deben, with well over a hundred swimmers here often during the summer.
READ MORE: Woodbridge: River Deben bathing water status bid fails
"It’s right, therefore, that they get the signage and the regular testing to enable the Environment Agency to take swift action if needed. I encourage residents to respond positively to the consultation.”
Last year, campaign group Save the Deben applied for the status for the two sections of river, which would mean it is safe for swimming.
Last week, town councillor Ruth Leach, co-founder of Save the Deben with county councillor Caroline Page, said she was "shocked and surprised" that Woodbridge did not meet the criteria after being told swimmer numbers were too low.
READ MORE: Woodbridge news
She added: "If the numbers were too low, surely it's because swimmers are scared off by the seven sewage outlet points draining into the river in the Woodbridge stretch.
"However, the bather count average of 58 swimmers a day during the recent summer heatwave peak season shows that it is still clearly a bathing area."
A spokesperson for DEFRA said the criteria used to assess applications included how many people bathed there, whether the site had suitable infrastructure, including toilets and if measures were being taken to promote bathing in the waters.
READ MORE: Suffolk news
To respond to the Waldringfield consultation, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/designation-of-4-new-bathing-waters-in-england
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here