The campaign to have part of the River Nidd designated as Bathing Water Quality gathered pace last night as local MP Andrew Jones headed a special debate in the House of Commons.
Mr Jones secured a special adjournment debate to highlight the issue of water quality in rivers direct with the ministerial team. Mr Jones used the opportunity to highlight the unique character of Knaresborough and the natural beauty of the Nidd.
He asked MPs to “imagine a castle on a crag, a viaduct over the gorge and homes cascading down a valley side” before he highlighted the Lido further downstream where people regularly swim.
Mr Jones advocated a team approach: “I view water improvement as a real team effort; it is not for a single actor to take the actions. It means improved targets, vigilant monitoring, enforcement action, increased investment from water companies, and behavioural change.”
Responding, Defra Minister Trudy Harrison MP said: “I thank all Members, in particular my hon. Friend the Member for Harrogate and Knaresborough, for championing the best quality water we can possibly achieve, to support people to enjoy bathing and so that nature benefits from clean water, which we will all benefit from.”
TV coverage of the full debate is available here.
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