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A fledgling YouTuber who became the latest person to swim in the Roman Baths has been branded “irresponsible” by a local councillor.

Louis Taylor, 23, live-streamed his dip on Monday, July 29 for his channel Ape Boy Lou which has a modest 672 subscribers.

It comes after a woman went in the Great Bath the day before on July 28 and Extinction Rebellion protesters took to the green water in May.

Councillor Paul Crossley was not impressed by the latest swim.

He said: “The visitor who entered the water on July 29 did so for his own self-promotion, sharing the video online is not helpful to us and is irresponsible.

“The water is untreated and for this reason we do not allow visitors to enter the water.

“This behaviour spoils the visit for our other visitors and it is unfair on our staff.

“We do have signs up asking people not to enter the water and security are on hand to remove people who enter the water.”

(Image: Louis Taylor)

Swimming in the Roman Baths has been permanently banned since 1978, after a girl who swam in the water died of a meningitis-related illness.

After the death, the water in the baths was found to be polluted.

A dangerous amoeba that can cause a form of meningitis was detected, and public bathing was banned on health grounds.

But Mr Taylor, from Cardiff, says he was aware of the risks when he undertook his stunt.

He says he planned his swim before the woman was filmed in the water the day before.

He said: "It was on the bucket list of things to do.

“I asked subscribers on my YouTube channel for ideas for things to do. Someone suggested it to me. They warned me I should do it at my own risk.

“I have seen the health warnings. There are warning signs saying you are not supposed to go in there.

“My opinion is I do it so other people don't have to. I would advise against it.

“They gave me a slip [of paper] afterwards which explained risk it carries.

“They escorted me out. The staff were very good.”

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