Levels of toxic bacteria found in a Suffolk waterway are 55 times the safe level recommended for swimming, it has been claimed.

Adrian Ramsay, Green Party co-leader, along with Suffolk environmental campaigners found unsafe samples of water at the Blyth in Halesworth and in the River Waveney at Diss and Bungay.

They say the highest levels of E. coli were found at the Blyth in Halesworth at 55 times the limit.

At Bungay two samples - at Beccles Road Bridge and upstream of the sewage treatment plant - were seven and three times the limit.

At Diss the Waveney was 20 times, 13 times and four times over the limit at the three points sampled close to storm overflow and sewage treatment outlets.

READ MORE: River Waveney Trust's application for official bathing site recognition

Mr Ramsey said: “It’s shocking that there appears to be a continuous feed of E. coli coming from some of the sewage treatment plants. 

“We already know we are getting pollution from storm overflow drains but these samples show Anglian Water’s sewage treatment plants themselves are not removing dangerous bacteria. "

READ MORE: More than 100 people take the plunge in event to 'celebrate the river' and raise awareness​Eastern Daily Press: E-coli is known to be harmful to humans and derives from human waste.E-coli is known to be harmful to humans and derives from human waste.

The Environment Secretary, who is also Suffolk Coastal MP, Thérèse Coffey, said:

Eastern Daily Press: Suffolk Coastal MP and Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Therese Coffey (Image: PA)Suffolk Coastal MP and Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Therese Coffey (Image: PA) (Image: PA)

“I’m not aware that the specific locations in questions are designated bathing water and I do not know the validity of the recent samples suggesting the presence of E. coli.

“However, if those who have collected the samples wish to contact me, then I can follow up directly with the Environment Agency.”

READ MORE: River trust vows to 'continue fight' against invasive species to keep waterways clear

An Anglian Water spokesperson said:  “There are currently no bacteriological standards for treated wastewater in UK rivers in the same way there are for designated bathing waters. 

“We’re already working with local river and wild swimming groups who want to apply for formal inland bathing water designation, like on the river at Bungay, by undertaking regular water quality testing to support their application.  

“The results will provide a baseline for bathing water quality for this part of the river and help inform the classification for the bathing water, as well as providing evidence for us to unlock future investment to support the water quality if it’s formally designated in the future.”