A CONSULTATION has been launched to gauge residents’ views on whether part of the River Avon through Salisbury should officially receive bathing water status.

If the status is achieved, water quality would be closely monitored for harmful bacteria and viruses  with legal obligations placed on industry to reduce sewage pollution near sites.

The site in question is a shallow stretch between two footbridges at Queen Elizabeth Gardens, a favourite spot for paddling and picnicking.

Salisbury Clean Rivers, supported by XR Salisbury, FLOW, Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, Wildlife Wellbeing CIC and Salisbury Transition City, sent a letter to Salisbury City Council in July to raise concerns over the water quality in the River Avon.

In this letter, the group is proposing for the bathing water status application to be submitted at Queen Elizabeth Gardens – an area popular with families – which would help assess water quality at the site and inform improvements in river health.

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This comes after the group said the River Avon fails to meet targets set by both the Environment Agency and Natural England.

After receiving backing from city councillors, the groups have now launched a consultation which will run until October 10.

Love Of The Water said: “Designation does not just provide data. It helps drive real improvements in water quality and gives communities the tools they need to hold polluters to account.

“It also empowers people to make informed choices about enjoying their local river.”

An in-person consultation event will take place on September 30 from 7pm to 9pm at The Meeting House, 51 Wilton Rd, Salisbury SP2 7EP.

“Every opinion counts, and your input will help shape the future of the River Avon in Salisbury,” a spokesperson added.