A bid to apply for bathing water status for a West Cumbrian marina is set to be made later this year – and people are urged to have their say.
Cumberland Council is considering applying to central Government for the status in the Harrington area later this year.
It wants people to share their views so it can find out how well the area is used by swimmers.
The Bathing Waters Directive mandates that bathing waters are monitored for levels of intestinal enterococci and E. coli during the bathing water season, which runs from May 15 to September 30.
Designated bathing water status means:
- Sampling takes place during the season to make sure the water is safe to swim.
- Signs are erected and public information about bathing water quality is provided.
- Measures are put in place to ensure there is no impact on wildlife or the ecosystem.
- Investment is made to make sure the water meets the required standard.
Councillor Bob Kelly, the authority’s portfolio holder for policy and regulatory services, said: “Our officers are conducting a consultation to see how well the area is being used by swimmers during the summer months, and if the investment required would be of benefit to the community.
“We’ll then consider applying to the Government later in the year, once our residents have had a chance to feedback, and our investigations have concluded.
“I would like to encourage everyone who is interested in the matter to get involved with the consultation and not to miss the opportunity to let us know what they think”.
People can view and respond to the Harrington marina and shoreline bathing water via the online consultation or via post to Environmental Health Department, Cumberland Council, Allerdale House, Workington, Cumbria, CA14 3YJ.
