An application by local water campaigners for Church Beach in Lyme Regis to be re-designated as a bathing beach has been approved to go to the next stage.
The River Lim Action group had to show at least 100 people swam at the beach each day in season, to convince Defra to consider the site for approval.
And they pointed out the facilities available at or near the beach – public toilets, parking, defibrillator, lifesaving ring, lifeguards, litter bins, cafés and restaurants.
The group sought views from local people, businesses and organisations about the proposed designation, and had 426 respondents, of whom 424 supported the proposal.
Now Defra has put Church Beach on a list of 24 beaches now open for consultation at consult.defra.gov.uk/water/consultation-on-designation-of-27-sites-as-bathing
Vicki Elcoate of the River Lim Action group said: “We’re absolutely delighted that Church Beach is moving forwards to regaining its status as a designated bathing beach.
“It’s vital for better water quality monitoring, better public information and increasing resources to clean up our river and beaches.”
The River Lim Action group, working with the Bluetits swimming group, and with the support of Lyme Regis Town Council, has received huge support from locals and visitors for the application.
Beverley Glock of the Lyme Regis Bluetits said: “This is brilliant. It will put more pressure on South West Water and the Environment Agency to clean up the sewage in the River Lim so the residents and holiday makers in Lyme Regis can swim in clean water.”
Malcolm Greenslade of Lyme Bay Swimming said: “It’s great news… after all the hard work put in over the summer by The River Lim Action Group and its supporters. It’s great for the local community and Lyme Regis as a popular year-round resort. From a personal point of view, Church Beach holds many happy memories for me, swimming, paddling and playing in the rock pools as a child so it would be lovely to bring the beach and river back to life.”
Vicki added: “It was a lot of work, so we’re pleased to see it’s paid off and that Defra support what we’ve done so far. We now appeal to everyone who cares about our local beaches and the rights of water users to enjoy clean water to fill out the consultation.”