MANNINGTREE beach is set to become of one of 27 new open-water swimming spots across England.

Three spots in East Anglia are on the list announced by DEFRA - Manningtree Beach, the River Cam at Sheep’s Green, Cambridgeshire and the River Stour at Sudbury, Suffolk.

Subject to a two week consultation, the sites will receive regular water monitoring from the Environment Agency as well as potential action from water companies and farmers.

Anna Helm-Baxter of open water swimming group Manningtree Mermaids said how “delighted” the group was about the news.

She said the recognition was due to the hard work between the group, Essex University researchers, Surfers against Sewages, and other groups such as PACE Manningtree.

She said: “Bathing designation is really only the first step, it is not a cure all. For example, people can legally discharge ten times during the year, on an annual basis including once in the bathing season.”

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Progress - Left to Right Anna Helm Baxter, Catherine Arnold, and Helen WhiteheadProgress - Left to Right Anna Helm Baxter, Catherine Arnold, and Helen Whitehead (Image: Submitted)

Anna explained that designation would mean that during the bathing season – from May 15 to September 30 – the Environment Agency will test water weekly for e-coli and other bacteria with this information being made public “though not instantaneously”.

She added: “They took us all by surprise doing this quickly. We all have full time jobs, but these are the final hurdles and we have thousands of people supporting us already."

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Campaigning - Manningtree Mermaids in 2021 campaigning against water pollution Campaigning - Manningtree Mermaids in 2021 campaigning against water pollution (Image: Submitted)

John Hall, from PACE Manningtree, said: “Great for people and great for nature, if this designation for both Manningtree Beach and the Stour at Sudbury can be confirmed.

“We urge local people to respond to the consultation by 10 March to support this listing”.

Water Minister Robbie Moore said:  “Many people enjoy spending time in our rivers, lakes, and coastal beaches, and I am thrilled to see three new bathing water sites proceeding to consultation in East Anglia alone.

“I want to continue to improve the quality of our bathing waters, which is why we are taking action across the board to drive up standards and hold water companies to account. 

“I encourage all local communities and organisations with an interest to take part in this consultation and have their say.”