From The Vice Chairman Page 3 Essex Waterways Update

Essex Waterways Update

With water levels returning to normal it was possible to undertake work at Rushes weir where tree roots had penetrated one of the wing walls and caused this to crack. The roots were removed, the crack tied with purpose made metal straps, new piles placed in front of the wall and backfilled with concrete to prevent further movement. It is planned to place gabions beneath the weir to reduce under scouring.

The two large boats, Lady of Avenel and Thames sailing barge Thalata which winter at Heybridge Basin and were trapped by the Covid19 Lockdown have been able to leave, thus making space available for visiting craft which are slowly returning.

As we moved towards the summer major project work on the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation is replaced by work to ensure that the waterway is ready for returning users, although there were plenty of canoeists and paddle-boarders out and about earlier in the year. Lock landing stages along the Navigation were inspected and repairs undertaken including at Hoe Mill, Cuton Lock and Barnes Lock. At Barnes Lock toe boards were fitted to the narrow bridge over the lock tail.

Cuton Lock was closed for two days so it could be dammed for the top gates to be accurately measured to enable new gates to be made ready for installation later in the year.

Essex Waterways Update (cont)

Attention has now turned to regular grass cutting along the whole length and weed removal.

A shepherds hut frame kit has been purchased and constructed at Hoe Mill where it will become an office for the Camp site which is already busy this year due to more people taking ‘staycations’.

Each year the Navigation becomes busier, not necessarily with boats, but with the number of visitors and over the recent lockdown periods this has created some problems especially with parking on adjoining roads and some anti-social behaviour. The dramatic increase in the use of canoes and paddle-boards has also meant that we are not necessarily benefitting from all the additional licence income that is available. Many using the waterway are not aware of the licence requirement and this is obviously not fair on those who do pay. Essex Waterways have therefore employed a seasonal River Warden, James Meadows who will patrol the Navigation and check licences and behaviour! He will also act as Assistant Lock Keeper at Heybridge Basin on the Lock Keepers days off and during busy periods.