Thames site among 13 shortlisted areas for swimming

The first designated bathing water area on the River Thames in London has been proposed, potentially pitting swimmers against Thames Water as it tries to drive through a controversial water recycling scheme nearby.

- Sandra Laville Environment correspondent

The Thames at Ham, in southwest London, is one of 13 new monitored swimming areas across the country. It was shortlisted after campaigners gathered evidence to show thousands of people use the river for swimming throughout the year.

Marlene Lawrence, the founder of the Teddington Bluetits, a wild swimming group with more than 2,000 members, put in the bathing water application alongside colleagues.

“This would be amazing for the river and the people who enjoy it,” she said. “We want bathing water status to be a driver of keeping the Thames clean and it will be fantastic to have this part of the river designated.”