Residents have launched a campaign to help improve the water quality in the Gannel Estuary following concerns about the amount of sewage being pumped into the popular swimming area

Pentire Residents’ Association is applying to the Environment Agency for the Gannel to be awarded designated bathing water status.

The group believes it is important the estuary is regularly monitored as the information could be used to see if water quality is improving and to inform people about short-term issues around bathing water quality.

Peter Hargrave from the residents’ association, said: “The Gannel Estuary is a wonderful part of Pentire that is hugely enjoyed by residents and visitors. 

“It is also an important wildlife habitat.  

“It needs to be protected and preserved.

“The resident’s association is working with local residents, our neighbours in Crantock, landowners, marine interest groups, local water monitoring services and relevant local authorities, to ensure we do whatever we can to protect this jewel.

“With these aims in mind, the resident’s association intends to make an application this year to obtain accredited designated bathing water status for the Gannel Estuary. 

“We strongly believe that the Gannel Estuary will benefit from having status to help protect the environment for both people and wildlife. 

“Having the status means that we would have a regular and reliable water monitoring and reporting system in place for the Gannel Estuary throughout the bathing season from May to September.  

“Currently there is no water quality monitoring in place for the Gannel and we know that the Gannel is hugely impacted by the frequent sewage spills from the South West Water pumping station and storm overflows at Crantock Beach.

“Our current thinking is that to satisfy the numerous Environment Agency criteria, we would designate the Gannel Estuary swimming area being from Crantock Beach, just west of the Fern Pit ferry up to the slipway at Trevean Way.

“There is a lot to do to prepare and submit the application and supporting evidence.  

“The application must be submitted by October 31 for the site to be considered for designation for the 2025 bathing season.

“During the bathing season we have to provide evidence to the Environment Agency in our application that the Gannel Estuary is being used regularly by more than 150 bathers each day. 

“We will be taking photographs at various times during the summer and would encourage everyone in Newquay and Pentire to come out and support us and show the Environment Agency just how important and valued the Gannel is to everyone.”

South West Water was due to have a representative at Pentire Residents’ Association meeting on Monday following community concern about the amount of sewage being pumped into the Newquay coastline, which is due to be rescheduled.