MP praises tireless efforts of community after Coniston is granted bathing water status

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has warmly welcomed today’s news that Coniston has been awarded bathing water status.

In March last year, the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) rejected bids for bathing water status for Coniston.

However, Coniston Parish Council resubmitted their bid which was finally given the green light over the weekend by the Government.

According to the Environment Agency, sewage was discharged into Coniston for 3,389 hours last year.

Bathing water sites receive regular water monitoring from the Environment Agency, who will investigate pollution sources and identify steps to be taken in response, which could include actions by water companies, farmers and others.

Tim said: “It’s great news that the Government have finally u-turned and decided to grant bathing water status to Coniston.

“This decision is down to the tireless efforts of the local community in Coniston, especially Coniston Parish Council and local Lib Dem councillor Suzanne Pender who have been working so hard on this for several years.

“The Government now needs to go much further and stop sewage being pumped into bathing water sites, so Coniston can be protected from pollution in the years to come.”