A CAMPAIGN to get Bathing Water Designation for the river at Ilkley is being backed by the town council.

Councillors have agreed to write a letter of support for the application to Bradford Council.

The Ilkley Clean River Group is submitting the application for designated bathing status for the River Wharfe in Ilkley. The application will be made to The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), once the approval of Bradford Council has been secured.

The group has overwhelming support from Ilkley residents who have helped with citizen water testing, counting people bathing in the river and by completing a bathing water status survey.

A total of 527 people completed the survey - 484 residents and 25 businesses. Campaigners say visitors and local groups overwhelmingly support having a clean river fit to paddle, play and swim in.