14/03/2006- North Cornwall
District Council and the Environment Agency
are developing robust procedures to help
improve the operation of and safety around
the adjustable weir on the River Neet in
Bude. The move comes after a thorough review
by the Agency and its consultants of the
town’s flood defences.
It has been decided to continue to keep
the weir raised from March to November for
amenity and recreation use. The operation
of the weir will be upgraded so that in
times of flood the Environment Agency can
lower it well in advance of floodwater reaching
Bude.
North Cornwall District Council staff will
check the river channel and if necessary
clear the Neet of anyone (particularly children
playing) between the weir and the beach.
It will take the gate approximately 90 minutes
to lower.
District council staff will be available
for call out during daylight hours seven
days a week.
Additionally the Environment Agency has
agreed to adjust the automatic controls
so the gate is lowered as early and as slowly
as practical so that the water is released
smoothly.
‘We hope these new arrangements between
the district council and ourselves will
meet the needs of as many local interests
as possible,’ said Gordon Trapmore for the
Environment Agency.
‘By altering the lowering speed of the
weir we will be reducing the speed of the
water flowing out from the Neet to the haven
and making the area safer. Additionally,
council staff will be on the river side
to warn people and clear them before the
weir operates.’
The new arrangements are currently being
finalised so the raising of the weir has
been delayed this year until Monday, April
24 when the plan will be ready to use.
Cllr Neil Burden, chair of North Cornwall
District Council’s regeneration committee,
said: ‘The weir is an attractive amenity
area with many users and it is important
that there is sufficient water above the
weir to enable people to enjoy the river.
‘We welcome the extensive consultations
the Environment Agency has done with the
local community and with those who regularly
use the river and harbour areas.
‘We understand that in times of heavy rainfall
the weir will be lowered much earlier than
has been the previous practice. We will
all remain vigilant to ensure that we get
the best results for all parties.
‘We do understand the many issues surrounding
the operation of the weir and we have been
working with the Environment Agency to agree
procedures which will enable the water level
to be kept high for most of the time. But
this arrangement will be managed in such
a way to minimise the risk to the public
and property owners in the case of a flood.’
The council and the Environment Agency
will also carry out further improvements
including putting up warning signs and reviewing,
with users, how the haven operates for mooring
boats.
