The row comes as the Environment Agency published its annual bathing water classifications which revealed some of Britain’s best-loved holiday hotspots are now a no-go for paddling River Windrush, near Naunton, in the Cotswolds (Image: pcturner71 via Getty Images)

Environment Agency (EA) chiefs are pinning poo-ridden rivers and seas on birds and dogs instead of shameless water firms, campaigners claim.

It comes as the body published its annual bathing water classifications which revealed some of Britain’s best-loved holiday hotspots are now a no-g o for paddling.

The EA found one in seven English bathing spots is now polluted but said “many factors” affect water quality including “birds, dogs and other local issues”.

But water campaigner Feargal Sharkey, the former Underton

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