River Stour in Sudbury granted bathing water status

The River Stour has been granted the status by the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs today - just the second river in Suffolk to be granted the status and the first in west Suffolk.

it means the river will immediately benefit from regular water quality monitoring.

The River Stour (Image: Newsquest)

In February it was revealed the site was being considered for bathing water status, with the official news coming today.

It is one of 27 new bathing sites being designated across the country, with Manningtree Beach also being granted the status.

The River Stour in Sudbury (Image: Phil Morley)

The new status  means the Environment Agency will regularly monitor the water and assess whether action is needed to cut pollution levels, working with communities, farmers and water companies to improve the quality of water in the river.

Many river users and residents have long campaigned for the river to be granted the status after taking it upon themselves to clean up the waterway.

Back in February, Jessie Carter, who represents Sudbury North West on Babergh District Council as well as being a county councillor, said: "As a member of the Green Party we have been advocating for this cause for a long time and conducting independent testing to showcase existing risks."

Jessie Carter, who represents Sudbury North West on Babergh District Council (Image: Babergh District Council)

"The River Stour has served as a vibrant hub for recreational activities for years, not only for the surrounding community but drawing in visitors from far and wide to enjoy it.

"It is a vital asset for residents and tourists alike, having a safe space for these recreational activities is priceless and I welcome the next crucial steps of this journey in further testing as this development will transform the River Stour into a cleaner, safer, and more enjoyable place for all to enjoy."

Last year, the River Deben at Waldringfield, near Woodbridge, was also granted designated bathing water status following a campaign by local people.