River Tone could soon be granted bathing water status

The public are being consulted on plans to grant the River Tone bathing water status

A popular wild swimming spot in Somerset could be granted bathing water status if a public consultation is successful.

Last year, wild swimmers applied for the River Tone in Taunton's French Weir Park to be granted bathing water status.

The Government has now announced plans to create 27 new designated swimming spots across England.

Campaigners say they are "delighted" by the success of their efforts.

The campaign was supported by more than 300 people who swam in the Tone last summer.

It was submitted to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs by Gideon Amos, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary candidate for Taunton and Janine Appleton, chair of Friends of French Weir Park.

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

It would be the biggest ever rollout of new bathing water sites as part of the Government's plan to improve water quality across the country.

Gideon Amos and Janine Appleton submitted the application to Defra

"This is a massive win for ordinary Taunton residents and users of our River Tone," said Mr Amos.

"At last there will be proper monitoring of water quality and support and guidance for the many who swim in the river at French Weir, and recognition for something people have enjoyed as of right here for hundreds of years."

Janine Appleton added: "I'm absolutely thrilled, as are the rest of the Friends of French Weir Park committee, at the news that we've reached the public consultation stage of our application for Bathing Water Status.

"Gideon Amos and I, along with the rest of the Friends committee, worked very hard to get this far, and the Safe Swim sessions we held last year at the river steps in French Weir Park showed just how valued our river is for both the local and wider community."

The public consultation on the proposed 27 swimming sites closes on 10 March.