Amherst Town Hall
Amherst Town Hall Credit: FILE PHOTO

AMHERST — High levels of bacteria are prompting the town to warn people against swimming in the Fort River at the Stanley Street conservation area.

Known to nearby residents as the Jump Bridge, and accessed through trails near Kiwanis Field, the town Conservation Department is posting “do not swim” signs.

Water will continue to be tested and an alert will be posted on the town website when the water is again safe for recreation.

Scott Merzbach is a reporter covering local government and school news in Amherst and Hadley, as well as Hatfield, Leverett, Pelham and Shutesbury. He can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com or 413-585-5253.