Harrogate and Knaresborough’s MP calls for overhaul of water industry after Knaresborough Lido ranked as poor

Shocking new figures from the government have revealed that Knaresborough Lido has once again been rated as poor, meaning bathing is not advised. Local Liberal Democrat MP Tom Gordon has slammed the news, urging the government to carry out a complete overhaul of the water industry.

Knaresborough Lido is one of 37 bathing waters that has been deemed unsafe to swim in. In total, the number of poor bathing waters has risen to the highest level since the new classification system was introduced in 2015. 

The Liberal Democrats have long spearheaded the campaign to clean up British seas and rivers. The Party is urging for a complete overhaul of the water industry, by scrapping Ofwat and replacing it with a new regulator who has the power to clamp down on polluting water companies, including Yorkshire Water. 

Since his election, Tom has met with the Nidd Action Group, who have been campaigning to get the Nidd cleaned up. He will soon be meeting with Yorkshire Water to raise these issues. 

Commenting, Tom said: 

“I’m sure this news will come as no surprise to my constituents in Harrogate and Knaresborough. Once again, our swimming spot is too polluted to swim in. That Yorkshire Water still hasn’t cleaned up its act is a disgrace. 

“It is completely inexcusable that local residents aren’t able to enjoy Knaresborough Lido, and all whilst Yorkshire Water hammers us with sky high water bills. 

“Enough is enough. For far too long Yorkshire Water has been pumping gallons of disgusting sewage in our rivers and beaches, and all whilst paying vast bonuses to their executives.”

ENDS 

The info on bathing water quality can be found here as a spreadsheet and here as a map.