An application to make Sandy Lane on the River Dee an official bathing water site has been accepted for a full public consultation. 

Following a previous unsuccessful bid in 2023, the Clean Dee Campaign has since worked to gather evidence, demonstrate strong community use and build a robust case for bathing water designation.

The Sandy Lane stretch of the River Dee is a cherished local spot for open-water swimming and recreation.

Designation as a bathing water would mean the site benefits from regular water quality monitoring by the Environment Agency, during the bathing season from mid-May to September.

Earlier this year, a public consultation was carried out to gauge support, with residents and river users strongly backing Bathing Water status.

This brings greater transparency for swimmers and enables action to identify and tackle sources of pollution. It can also deliver wider social, economic, leisure and health benefits for the community. 

Local MP Samantha Dixon said: "I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Clean Dee Campaign, Chester Frosties and everyone who worked tirelessly on this application - this is community collaboration at its very best. 

"The River Dee is one of our greatest natural assets, supporting biodiversity, recreation and wellbeing. It's essential that we protect and preserve it for future generations. 

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"Designation would mean regular testing and real accountability, giving residents the confidence they deserve when they swim and enjoy our local waters."

Nationally, England currently has 451 designated bathing waters.

Last year (2024), 93% met acceptable standards for swimming - a benchmark Sandy Lane would be measured against if formally designated. 

The milestone comes as the Government's new Bathing Water Regulation reforms, which came into force on 21 November 2025, modernise the system to better reflect how people use rivers, lakes and beaches today - moving away from a "one size fits all" approach and empowering communities to seek protections for valued local blue spaces. 

Samantha Dixon added: "I strongly encourage residents to take part in the public consultation. By having your say, you can help secure the recognition and protections the River Dee deserves." 

"It's fantastic we've reached this next stage after the disappointment of the 2023 application, said Diane Parish of the Clean Dee Campaign and Chester Frosties.

"This is the crucial first step towards a River Dee free of pollution." 

The consultation will run for nearly six weeks. Following this period, the government will consider responses before confirming which sites will be designated ahead of the 2026 bathing water season. 

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Residents can take part in the consultation and help shape the future of Sandy Lane by submitting their views before the deadline on the 23rd March 2026.