'Major safety concerns' over river sluice gate

The radial gate has been described as one of the “biggest liabilities” in the south west

There are major operational and safety concerns over a river sluice gate after a “near catastrophic” incident last year.

The radial gate on the River Avon in Chippenham almost had to be demolished when it became stuck, in order to avoid a “serious environmental incident”.

Discussing the problem on Monday, the Environment Agency (EA) said it is one of the "biggest liabilities" in the South West.

Wiltshire Council said a public consultation has started on £15m proposals - led by the EA - to replace the gate with smaller weirs down the river.

EA proposals show a bridge and wider footpaths where the current river gate is, which will be demolished

The sluice gate, near Gladstone Road, had become stuck in October when a large tree stump became lodged underneath it before Storm Ciaran hit.

It became an "emergency situation" for the surrounding area, but EA workers managed to force it open, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

The structure was built in the late 1960s to reduce the risk of flooding but has deteriorated in recent years.

Wiltshire Council has estimated that the gate has between five and 10 remaining years of life.

Plans include improvements to the channel along St Mary's Street with seating

Proposals from the EA would include rock cascades to control water levels while allowing the safe passage of fish and kayaks.

In some areas, the re-naturalisation of the river would create an ecological buffer zone between the river and agricultural land.

The plans would also make the river more accessible for people and enhance the local environment, such as with better fishing platforms, information boards and walking trails.

There would be improvements to footpaths under Gladstone Road

Wiltshire Council said residents can have a big impact on the appearance of the scheme through the consultation.

The project falls under the wider Chippenham One Plan, and Wiltshire Council will be running a parallel consultation on the development of a Chippenham Avon Project masterplan.

The council has said the work would cost between £15m and £20m, with the majority of the funding already secured through a DEFRA flood defence grant.

Council leader, Richard Clewer, compared the project to the Salisbury River Park Project and said that the flood issues must be resolved.

The public consultation will run until 28 May.