'Shocking' levels of bacteria in River Frome

CAMPAIGNERS say "shocking" levels of potentially harmful bacteria in the River Frome in Frampton Cotterell mean it is no longer suitable for swimming.

Frampton Nature says tests showed the water in some places had more than 100 times the Government recommendation for coliform bacteria - the family containing harmful E. coli - for inland bathing waters.

Founder David Hanks said: “My dad learnt to swim in the river in Frampton, and I swam here as a child, but my children didn’t get to experience that because the river is so polluted now.

“As well as being a threat to human health, the poor water quality is bad for our wildlife. The river here used to be full of fish but now you hardly see any.

“It’s a disgrace that the Government continues to allow water companies to dump raw sewage in our rivers.”

In the tests, two students from the University of the West of England took samples from five spots on two dates in March.

The samples were analysed and the number of colony forming units (CFU) for

Yate Town Council Update

Election Results for Yate Town Council

suspected E. coli per 100ml of water was calculated.

David said: “On both occasions four sites were found to have poor water quality, with every site found to have poor water quality at least once.

“One site was found to have a horrifying 103,000 CFU/100ml. This is over a hundred times worse than what the Government considers a poor standard for inland bathing water.

“Water with these high levels of faecal bacteria poses a real threat to human health.”

David said the latest data showed six monitored sewer overflows in Frampton Cotterell overspilled 213 times in 2022. But the students found the highest levels of bacteria downstream of another overflow, which is not monitored and was littered with sanitary waste.

Water companies recently announced a £10 billion plan to improve water quality - with much of the cost being passed on to consumers.

A spokesperson for Wessex Water said there are numerous sources of bacteria in rivers, especially in a rural area, including agriculture and wildlife.

The results for the May local elections saw 12 serving members returning at Yate Town Council (YTC) and we also welcomed 5 new Councillors. We extend our thanks to those who chose to stand down this year, for their commitment and services to our town over the years, with special mention to former Councillor, Wully Perks, who stepped down from YTC after 20 years of devoted service.

5 of our Town Councillors were elected to have a dual-role of also sitting on South Gloucestershire Council to represent Yate; Councillors Mike Drew, Ben Nutland, Chris Willmore, Sandra Emms and Cheryl Kirby (as well as John Davis and Louise Harris).

At YTC, our Councillors sit on a number of main committees, meeting to discuss matters of Environment & Community, Planning & Transportation and Finance & Governance, together with a number of sub-committees and working groups As elected members, Councillors play a vital part in representing the residents of Yate which is sectioned into the wards of South Yate, Yate Central and Yate North within the Parish boundaries Working at a very local level, this tier of local government is closest to its residents and can respond quickly to local need On behalf of the community we manage and maintain a range of services and facilities and are also one of 70 named ‘super’ councils from approximately 10,000 town and parish councils in England.

Some of YTC’s recent achievements include the “Warm Welcome” initiative (opening doors of our venues with other partners to provide a free warm place to meet over winter), launch of a “Memory Café” at the Pop Inn Café, and commencement of the refurbishment of the award-winning Kingsgate Park. We provide for all ages; for example, we host the vibrant annual “Yate Ageing Better Festival” to showcase what is available locally for older residents Youth provision is also high on the Town Council’s agenda with the Armadillo youth café provision, cinema and detached mobile youth bus, Peg Hill Skate & BMW Park, as well as numerous parks, play areas and open spaces throughout the town.

The Town Clerk and council staff teams are based at Poole Court offices and can be contacted on info@yatetowncouncil.gov.uk, telephone 01454 866506.

The spokesperson said: “Regulated storm overflows, which are licensed to operate automatically during or after heavy rainfall to protect properties from flooding, account for less than 1% of the reasons why rivers in the Wessex Water region do not achieve good ecological status."

"We’re investing unprecedented amounts to help improve river and coastal water quality in our region.”

The Environment Agency said the River Frome is not a designated bathing water, and it was not required to monitor bacteriological water quality.

A spokesperson said: “However, the Environment Agency is a partner in the Resilient Frome project, and one of the benefits is expected to be improved water quality in the Bristol Frome.

“We are also aware that Wessex Water has been investigating several combined sewer outflows in the Frampton Cotterell area and looking at potential improvements as part of the periodic water company price review process.”

Mayor Re-elected for Second Year

Councillor Cheryl Kirby was delighted and honoured to be re-elected as Mayor for a further year at Yate Town Council, with Councillor Ben Nutland re-elected as Deputy Mayor.

In her statement Cheryl commented that “Last year was another extraordinary year, but one, where yet again, the people of Yate came together to support, help and encourage their community. All this could not have been achieved without the help and support of our staff and officers at Yate Town Council together with my fellow members.

This year, we have planned so many exciting activities and events for everyone. Our beloved “Yate Rocks” will take place on 24th & 25th June in Kingsgate Park – come along with your families and picnics and enjoy yourselves. Yate Heritage Centre will be holding a number of events and exhibitions, such as International Day on 16th September and Yate Ageing Better will be holding their Festival on 19th July in Yate town centre Also, our newly launched Memory Café will be open on the first Friday of every month at the Pop Inn Café. So, watch our website and social media for details of upcoming events. Come along and we will look forward to seeing you!”