Almost half of people across Britain say they would not swim in the sea during summer, according to new polling commissioned by the Liberal Democrats.
Mid Dorset and North Poole MP Vikki Slade says the findings are a “damning indictment” of the state of Britain’s beaches and rivers, and that people in Dorset are being forced to avoid places they once enjoyed.
The poll revealed that 44 per cent of respondents would not swim in the sea, while 19 per cent said they’d still be unlikely to swim even if the Government met its target of halving sewage spills by 2030.
In Dorset, pollution warnings and sewage discharges continue to affect coastal and inland areas. Vikki Slade highlighted a recent incident in the River Stour at Eye Bridge, where sewage was visible and dead fish were found.
She criticised the water companies and called for an urgent overhaul of how they are regulated.
The Liberal Democrats are pushing for the replacement of Ofwat and the creation of a new independent water regulator with powers to fine polluters, prosecute offences, and block dividend payouts when rivers are contaminated.