Annual Thames swimming race cancelled over sewage fears

The annual race typically starts at Boulters Lock in Maidenhead

This year's edition of an annual race that dates back to the 1890s has been cancelled because of fears about sewage in the River Thames.

The Boulter's to Bray Swim in Maidenhead involves completion of 5km (3.1-mile), 2.8km or 1.4km courses.

The trust that manages the event said it was "unable to find any satisfactory way" to be assured the river would be safe to swim in on 6 July.

Entries will be rolled over until the next event is held or refunded.

The Boulter's to Bray Swim Trust said it hoped that by 2025 there will be "tighter controls on what is discharged into rivers" and "clear guidelines for recreational users" to enjoy them.

Organisers said they were "unable to find any satisfactory way" that the river would be safe to swim in

One of its trustees, Keith Dixon, said despite swimming in the Thames for 16 years, he feels doing so now would be unsafe.

"If I can't look myself in the mirror and say that I would be willing to do it, I really can't sanction 250 people going in who want to have a safe and fun event," he said.

Last month, analysis found high levels of norovirus and E. coli in the Thames on the Berkshire-Buckinghamshire border.

TV naturalist Steve Backshall, who lives next to the river, said the work had found "toxic" pollution and that recent deterioration in water quality has been "absolutely heart-breaking".

Thames Water previously said "taking action to improve the health of rivers is a key focus for us, and we are leading the way with our transparent approach to data".

It also said staff have been through "challenging times" and have been the target of verbal and physical abuse.

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