Harmful bacteria in Wye bathing spot a “disgrace”- Welsh Lib Dems

The Welsh Liberal Democrats have today shared their reaction to the discovery of harmful bacteria at the Warren bathing site of the river Wye.

The Warren, a pebbled beach area on the river Wye, is a popular site among wild swimmers and was recently granted official bathing status last month.

However swimmers have now been advised to stay away from site due to the discovery of E.coli and intestinal enterococci bacteria. 

The levels of both bacteria found were five and seven times higher respectively than the lowest quality standard considered "sufficient".

The Welsh Lib Dems have labelled the news as “disgraceful” and have vowed to tackle water pollution in Wales.

The party has previously called for the replacement of Ofwatt with a more effective and harsher water regulator to ensure that water companies who are guilty of dumping raw and untreated sewage are being punished.

Commenting, the Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats Jane Dodds MS said:

“I am deeply concerned about the recent discovery of harmful bacteria at the Warren site of the river Wye. 

As a local resident myself who frequently visits the Warren, I am dismayed that the site is no longer suitable for use.

It is disgraceful that this beautiful river has been left to get into such a state to begin with.

For far too long now water companies have got away with polluting our beautiful rivers and coastlines without fear of punishment. 

During the recent general election, we as the Welsh Liberal Democrats vowed to clean up our waterways and punish those guilty of dumping sewage, this is a promise that we intend to keep.”

Commenting, Welsh Liberal Democrat Councillor Gareth Ratcliffe said:

“I am,like many other residents, dismayed at the news that harmful bacteria has been found at the Warren. 

The discovery of the bacteria should highlight just how desperate the situation is regarding sewage pollution in the river Wye and how much work needs to be done to ensure that the river is safe for use.

We must do more to ensure that our waterways here in Wales are both clean and safe for everyone to enjoy.”

Commenting, Welsh Liberal Democrat MP for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe David Chadwick said:

“The discovery of dangerous bacteria at the Warren is deeply disturbing and highlights just how severe sewage pollution is in our waterways here in Wales.

We cannot allow water companies to treat our beautiful natural environment as a dumping ground for  untreated raw sewage.

In the last election we campaigned on a promise to clean up our rivers and coastlines, and this is a promise we intend to keep.”