SUPPORT is mounting to redesignate a beach east of Lyme Regis as safe for bathing.

Church Cliff Beach, near the mouth of the River Lim, could be redesignated as safe for bathing when it goes up for review by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

The beach had its bathing beach status revoked in 2016 after concerns about continuous poor water quality results were raised by Lyme Regis Town Council. 

Chris Loder, MP for West Dorset, recently sent a letter to the Environment Agency backing local environmental group the River Lim Action Group's campaign for a cleaner beach.

Mr Loder said: “The good people of Lyme Regis have been without a designated bathing beach at Church Cliff Beach since 2015, when it was de-designated by the Environment Agency.

“I believe that re-designation will bring innumerable benefits to the local community and economy, and I have reiterated this to the Environment Agency,” he added.

A sum of £20m has been secured to clean the River Lim from South West Water following an integrated plan for water initiative from DEFRA. The plan outlines that £1.6bn will be invested by water companies into tackling pollution and spending on infrastructure in the UK.

This comes after pollution in previous years saw the river described as 'ecologically dead.'

The River Lim Action Group said they are grateful to Mr Loder for the support at their request, but wish to make it clear that it is through their work that the £20m has been secured after their meetings with South West Water.

Rob Thomas, co-ordinator of the group said “We are delighted to have received so much support from the public for our campaign. 

"When our volunteers have been spending hours over the summer counting the many bathers who enjoy using the beach every person who has engaged with us, whether they be local or a visitor, have been supportive of what we are endeavouring to achieve.”

The Lyme Regis Bluetits group monitor Church Cliff Beach and count the number of swimmers in the water.

Their administrator Beverley Glock said: “We have had incredible support from the public in Lyme with many people spending hours of their personal time monitoring the beach, counting swimmers and reporting back so we have an opportunity to have the beach redesignated.”

The group will look to submit their request to DEFRA by October 31 when a decision will be made.