Extinction Rebellion Harrogate activists will pretend to fish poo out of the River Nidd tomorrow (May 18) to highlight concerns about the state of the river.

Campaigners in white overalls with fishing rods will gather on High Bridge on the A59 in Knaresborough.

Those taking part will pretend to fish poo from the Nidd and encourage passers-by to campaign to clean the river.

The state of the Nidd has come under the microscope this week since it was designated bathing water status on Monday.

Rivers minister Robbie Jones and Andrew Jones, the Conservative MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, were at the lido leisure park on Monday to announce the news.

It means the Environment Agency will be obliged to test the water quality and, if it is poor, take measures to improve it.

But this week has also seen King James's School in Knaresborough urge pupils not to enter the river and a father call for warning signs amid reports of bathers falling ill.

Anna Bryer, a member of Extinction Rebellion Harrogate, said the river contained high levels of dangerous substances, adding:

Ms Bryer said the group will stage a pantomime to attract families and provide information on how people can campaign for better water standards.

Read more:

• Harrogate dad says River Nidd should have ‘warning signs’ after family falls ill


• Minister visits Knaresborough to confirm River Nidd bathing water status


• Knaresborough school urges pupils not to swim in River Nidd