Surge of support for campaign to tackle sewage pollution in River Avon

Campaigners are not giving up their fight to address the growing problem of raw sewage pollution in a much-loved swimming spot.

Conham River Bathing Water group was dealt a blow at the end of last month when Bristol City Council refused to back a bid to see a stretch of the River Avon near Beeses granted specialist bathing water status.

The official recognition would ensure the water quality is monitored and, crucially, sources of harmful bacteria investigated, with those responsible expected to take action.

The council stated a bye-law that prohibits swimming in the river means it cannot back the bid to grant the area special status. It also cited safety concerns.

Campaigners have now launched a petition calling for that bye-law to be changed and for the council to support their efforts to clean up the river. It has gained the support of almost 700 people in less than 24 hours.

Initially submitted last week, the petition was initially rejected by council officials who refused to publish it.

The council has since overturned this decision and apologised for the “error made during processing”.

The petition highlights the extent of the problem of pollution, stating that Wessex Water discharged raw sewage directly into the river 23,524 times last year for a total duration of 151,258 hours, according to Environment Agency figures.

It continues: “To address this, community group Conham Bathing has been preparing an application to Defra for Designated Bathing Water Status at Conham River Park (and Eastwood Farm Nature Reserve), a beautiful and historic bathing spot that has been enjoyed by locals for generations.

“With this status, the Environment Agency would monitor the levels of sewage pollution at the site and be responsible for implementing improvement measures if the water is found to be of persistently poor quality.”

The group needs the permission of landowners Bristol City Council to submit the application.

The petition is calling on the council to amend the bye-law prohibiting swimming so it can work towards enhancing and protecting the water quality in the nature reserve, “not only for public health but for the river and the wildlife it supports”.

The stretch near Beeses is much-loved by many – photo: Conham River Bathing Water group

Responding to the initial rejection of the petition, a Bristol City Council spokesperson said: “We have contacted the petition organiser to advise the status of the petition has been updated to active. An error was made during the processing and we apologise for this and any confusion caused.

“There are mechanisms for local authorities to amend bye-laws and so the petition has now been approved.

“The council welcomes petitions and recognises they are one way in which people can let us know their concerns.”

If a petition reaches 3,500 signatures or more, it will be debated at a full council meeting.

A sign prohibiting swimming at Conham River Park that’s been doctored to mention the benefits of water – photo: Ellie Pipe

Main photo: Conham River Bathing Water group

Read more: Council blocks hopes of securing ‘special bathing water status’ for Bristol beauty spot 

Listen to the latest Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast: