Chaos and rubbish from influx of bathers

In the recent hot weather spell Hurley had a huge influx of visitors.

A large number of them were local, mainly young off school, but the numbers were swelled by recent national papers, promoting Hurley as best wild water swimming on the Thames.

As locals know Hurley is a cul-de-sac village, so the parking was chaotic, in some places narrowing the road so that access for emergency vehicles would have been impossible.

The bridge jumping was extremely dangerous. Indeed there was a fatality at this site a few years ago.

Social distancing was forgotten.

Despite many signs and available bins, many people declined to take their rubbish home. An army of local volunteers did sterling service each evening and morning clearing up. Sadly the rubbish contained many small canisters.

The problem is likely to continue for the rest of the summer and so severe parking restrictions are in place.

We would not like to see the Dorney shutdown repeated here, but sadly the local council or Environment Agency have this option, unless visitors are more thoughtful.

STUART CRIPPS Chair, Hurley Village Association