Child diagnosed with Weil’s Disease after River Stour swim

In addition to Weil’s disease and pollution, the council wanted to share other “serious safety concerns” it had regarding the river site at Mill Lane, where there are no lifeguards and often children and teenagers are there without parental supervision.

It said a young boy recently gashed his foot open and litter, including glass bottles and cans, is regularly left behind, causing significant safety hazards.

Many children jump from the bridge into the river, unaware that the water levels change and can be dangerously shallow.

There are also reports of metalwork underneath the bridge as well as swimmers, paddleboarders and wooden boats passing through.

It said it would continue to work with Stratford St Mary Parish Council, Suffolk County Council, the Environment Agency and others to “drive safety awareness, improvements and liability”.

The area straddles Essex and Suffolk, including “Constable country”, the picturesque home of the celebrated artist John Constable, who painted the landscape in some of his most well-known works.

The Environment Agency has been contacted for comment.