Water gushing through ‘collapsed’ weir near Gloucester
Canal bosses say the collapsed weir does not pose a risk to navigation
A “collapsed” River Severn weir near Gloucester does not pose a risk to navigation according to canal bosses as they review whether repair works will be needed.
Nature watcher John Fletcher spotted the problem with his camera and binoculars when he went out near Maisemore on July 23.
He has raised the issue with the Canal and River Trust after spotting the weir above Highnam had collapsed on the Maisemore village side.
“Many many thousands of gallons of water are racing through the gap at a much lower level than if going over the top normally,” he said.
“There is also a huge two metre diameter violent gusher to the side in the bank.”
A Canal and River Trust spokesperson said they have been monitoring the condition of the weir and are currently reviewing if any works are required before the winter.
They say there is currently no risk to navigation on the River Severn, Gloucester Docks or Gloucester and Sharpness Canal.
The weir was rebuilt in the 1970s and the new upstream weir crest continues to control water levels as designed..
“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,” a spokesperson said.
“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 and 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.”