Low river level reveals 'collapsing' weir

Maisemore Weir was built in 1871 to raise the level of the water in Gloucester Docks

Concerns have been raised about the state of a weir that helps to control water levels on the River Severn.

Maisemore Weir was built in 1871 to raise the level of the water through Gloucester docks, so barges from Sharpness could navigate their way to mills in nearby Tewkesbury.

The top of the weir has been exposed due to low river levels caused by this summer's long spell of dry weather, and it appears to have partially collapsed.

The Canal and River Trust said it is "monitoring the condition of the weir" but added it did not think there was any risk to vessels on the river.

Laurence Buckland said in the last few weeks "it's gone downhill big time"

Laurence Buckland has farmed the nearby fields for 30 years and said with levels so low "you can see the whole weir now from the bottom side".

"Over the last 12 months you could see it deteriorating and in the last few weeks it's gone downhill big time," he added.

Mr Laurence fears boat owners could be impacted if repair work is not carried out soon.

"Those people who go from Gloucester Docks on narrow boats up to Tewkesbury for their leisure holidays, they wouldn't being able to go if the weir totally collapses.

"The more the weir disappears the more the level will drop at Gloucester Docks and up through to Tewkesbury," he said.

"The concrete is corroding, there's a big hole [one side] and there's another big piece of concrete that's probably going to wash away very shortly as well."

Maisemore Weir pictured in July 2024

In a statement the Canal and River Trust said: "We've been monitoring the condition of the weir on a regular basis over the past couple of years following some recent deterioration of the concrete spillway.

"It was rebuilt in the 1970s and the new upstream weir crest continues to control water levels as designed.

"As it stands there's currently no risk to navigation on the River Severn, Gloucester Docks or the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal.

"We're currently reviewing if any works are required before the winter and will be working with partners and neighbours to ensure the impact of any work is minimised if required."