Lostwithiel’s River Fowey Included in Defra Bathing Water Consultation

A popular swimming spot in Lostwithiel has been announced as the only site in Cornwall shortlisted for a proposed water quality protected area.

The River Fowey in the town has been put forward for designated bathing status, which would mean enhanced monitoring of water quality, involvement from local people and greater confidence for those using the river for swimming and water sports.

Call to gather at the medieval bridge

Cornwall Councillor for Lostwithiel and Lanreath, Sarah Preece, is inviting residents and stakeholders to meet at the medieval bridge in Lostwithiel at 11am on Saturday to promote the Defra consultation on the proposal.

The six week public consultation is being run by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Residents can take part online here:
https://consult.defra.gov.uk/water/13-proposed-bathing-water-sites/

Responses can also be emailed to [email protected] or sent by post to:
Bathing Waters Team, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, 2 Marsham Street, Ground Floor, Seacole Building, London, SW1P 4DF.

The consultation ends on March 23rd.

“A collaborative effort”

A keen wild swimmer and Liberal Democrat Cornwall councillor for the area, Sarah Preece said she was delighted by the news.

She said: “Lostwithiel Environment Action Forum have worked hard to put together a strong application. The river is a vital part of what LEAF want to protect for today and all future generations.

“We couldn’t have got this far without the support of local residents and businesses so it’s very much been a collaborative effort which we are so thankful for.”

Sarah added: “We care passionately that local people and visitors have access to clean water for swimming and water sports and are delighted that the hard work of dedicated residents have paid off to make Lostwithiel the only location in Cornwall shortlisted for designated bathing status consultation.

“Our flora and fauna, wildlife are precious and rely entirely on the healthy ecology of the river.

“Regular monitoring of the water and lobbying South West Water to clean up and maintain water quality is a key priority for us as Liberal Democrat councillors.”

She also encouraged as many people as possible to attend on Saturday and to take part in the consultation.

Sarah said: “We look forward to seeing as many as possible by the river on Saturday, and ask everyone who cares about our local waterway to please complete the consultation and get behind this critical opportunity to secure designation.

“Generations have enjoyed our river and we want to secure that for many generations to come.”

📷A keen wild swimmer, Cllr Sarah Preece is inviting locals to join her to promote the Defra consultation.