THE Environment Agency is “committed to improving water quality at new and existing sites”, which also include the River Tone in Taunton, after the recent ‘Poor’ results.

To improve the River Tone at French Weir Park, a new group made up of the community and partners has been created to address impacts from upstream overflows, surrounding land use and catchment scale pollution.

Public demand saw new inland bathing waters at river locations designated earlier this year at the River Tone French Weir in Taunton, River Frome at Farleigh Hungerford and River Avon at Fordingbridge.

All have all been classified as ‘Poor’ based upon the results of their first bathing water season.

The reasons why are multiple, the EA said, adding they are “committed to improving water quality at new and existing sites, but it will take time, teamwork and community commitment”.

READ MORE: MP Amos: 'Poor' water quality at French Weir is ‘disappointing’ 

READ MORE: ‘Poor’ water quality at River Tone at Taunton French Weir

Jim Flory, area environment manager for the Environment Agency, said: “It is too easy to point the finger of blame solely at water companies or farmers.

“The unpopular truth is the sources of deterioration are often many. There are no quick fixes.

“New bathing waters came from massive community effort. It will take the same levels of commitment and effort to raise them to the minimum standard expected by the public and beyond.”