Residents and visitors in Ilkley have been advised to avoid entering the water at the River Wharfe’s Cromwheel site following a pollution incident reported on Friday.
Bradford Council issued the warning after being notified by the Environment Agency that a contamination event had occurred in the vicinity of Beanlands Parade. According to official reports, the incident began at approximately 3:00 pm on Friday afternoon. Environmental officials were able to bring the situation under control shortly before 5:00 pm, with the report indicating that the issue was contained by 4:54 pm.
Despite the incident being brought under control, local authorities and the Environment Agency have maintained a precautionary ban on swimming and paddling at the Cromwheel bathing site. The warning has been formally published on the Environment Agency’s website and will remain in effect until officials can confirm that effective repairs and remediation measures have been successfully completed.
The Cromwheel stretch of the River Wharfe is a popular destination for swimmers, paddlers, and families. The site received official designated bathing water status in 2021, an accreditation that requires regular monitoring by the Environment Agency throughout the designated bathing season to ensure water quality meets health and safety standards.
At this stage, neither the Environment Agency nor the council has provided specific details regarding the nature or the cause of the pollution. Furthermore, the total extent of the ecological impact on the river remains unclear as investigations by the agency continue.
The incident comes at a time of heightened scrutiny regarding the water quality at the Ilkley site. In recent Environment Agency assessments, the designated bathing area at Cromwheel was rated as “Poor,” placing it under increased observation. The agency maintains a dedicated bathing water profile for the location, which provides ongoing water quality data and safety alerts for members of the public who use the river.
In a statement shared via social media, Bradford Council confirmed its collaboration with environmental regulators to resolve the situation. “We have been notified by the Environment Agency of a pollution incident at Beanlands Parade, Ilkley, which has impacted the River Wharfe,” the council stated.
Public health remains the primary driver behind the current restrictions. While the water may appear clear, health officials often warn that pollution incidents can introduce bacteria or chemical contaminants that are not immediately visible. Residents are encouraged to check the Environment Agency’s official website for updates on water quality and for notification of when the bathing ban is officially lifted.
Until further notice, the public is urged to adhere to the guidance and stay out of the water at the Cromwheel site to avoid potential health risks while environmental teams finish their assessment and ensure the area is safe for recreational use once more.
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