Suffolk: second bid for bathing water status for river Deben

Representatives of Save the Deben are set to make a second application for designated bathing water status for the river Deben at Woodbridge in October after the first attempt was rejected.

READ MORE: Suffolk: Campaigners 'thrilled' at Deben bathing status

The Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) deemed the number of swimmers using the river at Woodbridge was too low.

But Ruth Leach, co-founder of Save the Deben with Suffolk county councillor Caroline Page, said DEFRA asked for bathing numbers to be submitted at a single access point at Woodbridge, which meant that bathers accessing the river elsewhere nearby were lost.

These included swimmers at Kyson Point and the town's 5th Sea Scouts troop accessing the river at the Tide Mill.

Local swimmer Denise King is supporting the bathing water campaign (Image: Save the Deben)

READ MORE: River Deben wild swimmers status boost in Waldringfield

She added: "While there is no recommended bather number threshold from DEFRA, we would like the opportunity to submit a more realistic picture of recreational river usage at Woodbridge.

"Ideally this would include all the many people – sailors, kayakers, paddleboarders and rowers - who use the Deben daily, who fall in regularly and who DEFRA don’t appear to consider."

READ MORE: Woodbridge news

However, earlier this month, the Save the Deben campaigners were delighted that they had been successful in securing the status for part of the river at Waldringfield after submitting a separate application for the site.

As well as certifying the site for swimming, designated bathing status means the water will be monitored by the Environment Agency, which will take samples during the bathing season between May 15 and September 30.

The agency will then assess whether action is needed to cut pollution levels and works with communities, farmers and water companies to improve water quality.

READ MORE: Suffolk news