Elisa Hilton

8:00am - Noon

Email the studio

Whitney Houston

So Emotional

Listen Live

Harrogate MP blasts 'unswimmable' bathing sites amid hot weather

Tuesday, 26 May 2026 07:17

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon.

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon has slammed Yorkshire Water for the 'poor' rated bathing sites across the area amid rising temperatures in the UK.

Tom joined his Lib Dem colleagues in calling for a complete overhaul of the water industry, as people are discouraged from the area’s bathing sites.

Recent BBC coverage of sites rated consistently 'poor' and unswimmable highlighted signs discouraging swimmers in place in at almost all of England’s inland river bathing sites, including the Lido at the River Nidd in Knaresborough and the River Wharfe in Wetherby.

An additional site has also been designated for testing at the River Swale in Richmond.

Tom Gordon said:

“As the weather starts to hot up, people simply can’t enjoy nature and cool off in a bathing site without serious health risks.

“They’re preventing people from enjoying the most basic benefits of nature, it’s unacceptable.”

In response to BBC coverage, Liberal Democrat Environment Spokesperson, Tim Farron MP said:

“This is the latest example of water company impunity being laid bare.

“Bathing sites are meant to be there for the public to enjoy nature and yet they're another casualty in the water companies' assault on nature.

"It is an outrage that the Government has failed time after time to come down hard on these polluters and protect the public's health.

“They need to get on with the job of replacing Ofwat and make sure the water bosses are punished for this scandal."

More from Local News

Harrogate resident latest to scoop free tank of fuel

Free Fuel Friday returned this morning, giving Your Harrogate listeners the chance to bag a full tank of free fuel.
20-person brawl breaks out at Ripon pub

Police are appealing for witnesses following an assault and "large-scale disorder" at the One Eyed Rat pub in Ripon earlier this month.
RAF flypast planned over Harrogate district next weekend

A number of wartime aircrafts are set to fly over the Harrogate district next weekend.
Three hotels in Harrogate district named among best in UK by Telegraph

Three hotels in the Harrogate district have been named among the best places to stay in the UK by The Telegraph.
Petition calls for action to protect Knaresborough Castle

A petition calling for urgent action to protect and restore Knaresborough Castle is set to be debated by councillors after attracting more than 500 signatures.
Harrogate Car Enthusiasts Motor Show returns this weekend

Hundreds of vehicles and a range of family attractions are set to take over Harrogate Rugby Club this weekend as the Harrogate Car Enthusiasts Motor Show and Family Fun Day returns.
Solar panels installed at Ripon Leisure Centre to help cut energy bills

Nearly 1,000 solar panels have been installed at three North Yorkshire leisure facilities in a move that is set to reduce energy costs by hundreds of thousands of pounds.
Police make arrest after fight on Harrogate street

Police are appealing for information about a violent incident that occurred at Fairfax Avenue in Harrogate.
Harrogate IT business 'incredibly proud' to represent town at national awards

A Harrogate computer and IT business has been named as a finalist in four categories at the national Tech Awards 2026.
Harrogate school fair to showcase young musical talent

Young performers from Harrogate are set to take to the stage alongside professional musicians as part of a new live music event at Rossett Acre Primary School's annual Summer Fair.
Harrogate care team conquers 45km charity walk

A Harrogate care team has completed a 45km charity walk in scorching heat, raising more than £1,300 for two local organisations supporting older people.
Increase in shoppers being duped by AI 'High Street' scams

Shoppers hunting for online bargains are being duped by sophisticated scam websites that convincingly pose as well known UK high street retailers, North Yorkshire trading standards officers have warned.
Financial investigators brought in to examine council-owned house builder

North Yorkshire Council has brought in financial investigators to look into its loss-making housing company Brierley Homes, it has emerged.
Comedy legend to visit Harrogate as part of upcoming tour

Comedy icon Harry Enfield is set to visit Harrogate later this year as part of his latest UK tour.
Governors oppose battery storage site near Knaresborough primary school

The governing body of a primary school near Knaresborough has announced its opposition to plans for a large-scale battery energy storage system next to the school site.
Street rangers tackle benches and bird mess on Cambridge Street

Harrogate BID's Street Rangers have been carrying out cleaning work on Cambridge Street as part of ongoing efforts to keep Harrogate town centre looking its best.
Harrogate Cat Rescue issues update on kittens born with genetic condition

Two kittens with genetic bone problems have been making "fantastic progress" under the care of Harrogate Cat Rescue following an appeal to help meet ongoing vet expenses.
Harrogate MP launches campaign to save M&S café on Leeds Road

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon has launched a campaign to 'save' the M&S café at the store on Leeds Road.
Paddling pool in Valley Gardens remains closed for maintenance

The paddling pool at Harrogate's Valley Gardens has been temporarily closed while further checks are carried out following issues identified during maintenance work.
Rare Himalayan blue poppies bloom in Harrogate despite heatwave

The first blooms of the rare Himalayan blue poppy (Meconopsis) have begun to emerge at RHS Garden Harlow Carr in Harrogate, offering visitors a fleeting chance to see one of the UK's most elusive flowers.