Save the Deben group's shock at Environment Agency move

The Environment Agency had set a date of 2027 for agricultural and sewage pollution to be cleared from rivers, coastal waters and lakes, but has now set a target of 2063 as many of these waterbodies were set to miss this deadline. 

The aim is to return as many of these waterways to as close to their natural state as possible with good chemical and ecological status. 

In Suffolk, campaign group Save the Deben is seeking to clean up the river Deben and has applied for designated bathing water status for sections of the river at Woodbridge and Waldringfield, which would mean it is safe for swimming.

Suffolk County Councillor Caroline Page and Ruth Leach, co-founders of Save the Deben (Image: Ruth Leach)

Ruth Leach, a co-founder of Save the Deben with Suffolk County Councillor Caroline Page, said urgent action was needed to deal with the climate emergency and ‘delaying’ the deadline for 30 years would not bring any benefits. 

She added: “I was just shocked, frankly, considering we are in a climate emergency. Thirty years delay just does not make sense to me, I just can’t understand it really.” 

A decision is due to be made on the designated bathing water status in February after Save the Deben applied for the special status in October. 

As part of the bid, a consultation was carried out with users online, including businesses and the public, which involved 1,158 people. 

If a site is designated, the Environment Agency will develop a bathing water profile and put plans in place to monitor and protect the bathing water. 

If approved, the sections of the Deben would become only the third in the UK to achieve the status. 

Currently, only the River Wharfe at Ilkley in Yorkshire and the River Thames at Port Meadow, Oxford are designated bathing waters.