Friends of Sandy Lane Park Join the Campaign for a Cleaner River Dee
The Sixth River Dee Summit was recently held at Chester Zoo, bringing together campaigners, environmental experts, and community leaders, all united in the effort to clean up the River Dee and Dee Estuary. The summit, convened by Samantha Dixon MP, focused on the vital next step in this campaign – securing bathing water status for the River Dee.
We are pleased to share that Friends of Sandy Lane Park are now part of this important group. Heather Swainston represented FOSLP at the summit, with Denise Woods confirmed as our contact person moving forward.
FOSLP’s Role in the Campaign
As a community organisation deeply rooted in Sandy Lane Park, we are proud to be playing our part in this wider initiative. Already, we have:
Helped count swimmers and river users at Sandy Lane.
Put up information on our community noticeboard to raise awareness.
Committed to assisting in the push for bathing water status by supporting local consultation and ongoing campaigning.
By contributing at both the grassroots and city-wide levels, we’re helping build a stronger case to ensure the River Dee is cleaner, safer, and healthier for all.
Why Bathing Water Status Matters
Achieving official bathing water designation would mean:
Regular testing of the water at Sandy Lane.
Identifying and tackling pollution sources more effectively.
Creating a safer, healthier space for swimmers, wildlife, and future generations.
This isn’t just about swimming – it’s about protecting the river’s biodiversity and ensuring that the River Dee remains a source of pride and enjoyment for the community.
Looking Ahead
The summit included representatives from DEFRA, Welsh Water, the Environment Agency, Chester Zoo, the Welsh Dee Trust, local councillors, and many community campaigners. With such a broad coalition, momentum is building.
As Samantha Dixon MP said:
“The River Dee is at the heart of our city – a source of pride, a home to wildlife, and a place where people come together. Securing bathing water status is about more than just swimming; it’s about protecting our river for generations to come.”
FOSLP will continue to play an active role in this campaign, supporting the Clean Dee initiative and encouraging local residents to take part in the consultation.
You can share your views and find out more about the consultation on Samantha Dixon’s website: River Dee Bathing Water Status Consultation
Together, with community voices at the forefront, we can make Sandy Lane and the River Dee something to be proud of for years to come.