River swimming spots in Shropshire deemed unsafe

Three well-known river swimming locations in Shropshire are officially designated as unsafe, sparking concern among residents and campaigners.

The sites — two on the River Severn and one on the River Teme in Ludlow — have been classified as “don’t swim” areas following assessments of water quality. The BBC reports that the Shropshire sites are among 12 of 14 inland river locations which were tested by the Environment Agency last year and where the water quality was found to be poor.

The findings suggest conditions at the locations could pose risks to public health.

Matthew Green, former MP for Ludlow and now the Liberal Democrat prospective parliamentary candidate for South Shropshire, said the designations reflect long-standing issues with river pollution:

“This is a legacy of the Conservatives allowing water companies to dump sewage into our rivers at an alarming rate, and Labour’s slow and complacent response to the problem which has just kicked the can down the road.

“We need a tough new regulator and to convert water companies into public benefit corporations, where the environment is put before profit.”

People are being advised to follow public health guidance and avoid entering the water at the locations until conditions improve.

PHOTO: Councillor Beverley Waite and Lib Dem Parliamentary Candidate Matthew Green