Government proposes 13 new bathing spots

The government has proposed 13 new bathing spots across the country.

Included in the proposals in the first ever designated bathing spot on the River Thames in London.

The new designations will bring the country's total bathing spots up to 464.

It is hoped the designations will bring benefits such as increased tourism and strengthened community pride.

Local communities are now invited to have their say as part of a six-week public consultation.

Also included on the list are Little Shore, Amble, Northumberland, a crescent of sand between the River Coquet and the North Sea popular with locals; Newton and Noss Creeks, Devon, a narrow tidal inlet just off the River Yealm in the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty; East Beach at West Bay, Bridport, Dorset, the filming location for the iconic ITV drama Broadchurch; and Falcon Meadow, Bungay, Suffolk, a riverside community space on the River Waveney.

Water Minister Emma Hardy said: "Rivers and beaches are at the heart of so many communities – where people come together, families make memories and swimmers of all ages feel the benefits of being outdoors safely.

"Our plans to designate new bathing water sites show how we are backing local ambition and recognising the pride in places that matter most to people. 

"This comes alongside this government’s generational reform of the water system, that will cut water pollution and clean up our rivers lakes and seas for good."

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said: "I am committed to improving water quality across the Thames and all of the capital’s waterways. Londoners from all backgrounds should be able to swim safely in the city and my upcoming Clean and Healthy Waterways Plan will create safe, welcoming spaces for all Londoners to enjoy.

"It is great to see plans for the first ever designated bathing spot in the River Thames in London and progress being made in creating more sites for open water swimming, as we build a better, greener London for everyone."