Our River Dee is one of the greatest assets we have here in Chester North and Neston. It winds through our community, supports wildlife, brings visitors to our city, and, especially at Sandy Lane, provides a much-loved spot for open-water swimming, recreation, and those who use the river for support, paddle sports, and other water sports. That’s why I’m pleased that the new application for Bathing Water Designation at Sandy Lane has now been accepted for full public consultation.
This is a major step forward.
A previous bid to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) did not meet the required threshold for recorded bathers, after the previous Government moved the goalpost halfway through the application process. Rather than give up, the Clean Dee Campaign, alongside Chester Frosties Open Water Swimming and many dedicated local river users, rolled up their sleeves and got to work. They gathered further evidence, demonstrated the strength of community use, and built a stronger, more comprehensive case. Their determination has brought us to this important milestone.
If Sandy Lane is formally designated as a bathing water, it will mean regular water quality monitoring by the Environment Agency throughout the bathing season, from mid-May to September. That brings transparency and accountability. Swimmers and families will be able to see clear information about water quality, and authorities will be better equipped to identify and tackle sources of pollution.
Nationally, England has 451 designated bathing waters, and in 2024, 93% met acceptable standards for swimming. That’s the benchmark Sandy Lane would be measured against. Importantly, recent reforms to Bathing Water Regulations, have modernised the system so it better reflects how people actually use rivers and lakes today. Communities like ours now have a stronger voice in protecting the blue spaces we value.
For me, this is about more than statistics. It’s about pride in our river. It’s about protecting biodiversity. It’s about giving residents confidence when they swim. And it’s about ensuring future generations can enjoy the River Dee as we do.
The consultation, which can be found on the Government website, will run for nearly six weeks, and I strongly encourage everyone who uses or cares about Sandy Lane to take part. Your voice truly can make a difference.
And while we’re talking about community, I’d also like to invite you to join me for a coffee morning on Saturday 7th March from 10:00am–11:30am as we mark International Women’s Day. It will be a chance for a cuppa, conversation, and celebration of the remarkable women who have shaped our local area. We will be joined by the fantastic Isabel of ‘Women of Chester’ tours to highlight some of the amazing women who have contributed to the long history of our local area. Please contact my office for further details by emailing samantha.dixon.mp@parliament.uk or calling 01244 343 229. I hope to see you there!