A COMMUNITY volunteer group based in one of Taunton's most popular parks is delighted to hear it has been listed as a new bathing site.

The River Tone in French Weir Park in Taunton recently achieved Designated Bathing Water Status, the government has confirmed.

It means the Environment Agency will immediately start monitoring the water quality at the stretch of river running through the park.


Read more: River Tone in French Weir achieves Bathing Water Status


Monitoring will also take place at the 26 other spots which the government proposed as new bathing sites during a consultation earlier in the year.

In response to the news, Janine Appleton, chair of the Friends of French Weir Park group, said: "The Friends of French Weir Park are over the moon with the news that our stretch of the River Tone is to be granted Designated Bathing Water Status.

"We look forward to continuing to support both our local community and the wild swimming community to enjoy this beautiful stretch of water."