Environment Agency announced a reprieve of one year on Tuesday 30th March! You can still help by contacting WAG and helping shape what happens next.

Suggested questions to be asked at the Open meeting on 23 March 2010 (this is not a full list!): -

• Why replace Northmoor and not Rushey?
• Why replace a unique piece of history in Europe?
• What is the accident record for paddle and rymer weirs?
• What is the accident record for automated weirs?
• The one reason given for the replacement is Health & Safety – on what grounds has this been made?
• The weir was replaced in 1995. Why are you spending £2.3m on a project which is not necessary?
• Why is the river not being used to transport all the heavy equipment and goods for the rebuilding?
• In 1995 a track was built across farmland - why is this method not being used this time?
• The Environment Agency wants us to be ‘green’. How are they going to generate the electricity for the running of the weir?
• What happens when the weir fails?
• Oaksmere is ‘Unsuitable for heavy vehicles’ – others cannot drive down it. Why are the heavy goods vehicles being allowed?
• The drains in Badswell Lane were not adequate in the floods of 2007 – with the weight of the lorries they will be collapsing – what will be done if this happens?
• The road past the Plough is very narrow and twisted – it is hard for a lorry and a bus to pass each other. What will happen when they cannot pass and one has to go backwards?
• We are all encouraged to walk or cycle. People walking along the narrow pavements past the Plough and in Badswell Lane are in danger. In particular young children riding their bicycles. What will happen when a lorry sees a person riding a bicycle or walking?
• Double yellow lines and parking restrictions in Badswell Lane will make it very difficult for people living in the old cottages which have no gardens at the front and no parking at all. Where will these people park?
• Many houses, with very little foundation, are directly onto the road and their doors are below the level of the road – the noise, dust and vibrations will cause problems. What will the EA be doing about this?

 The Weir Action Group has a Facebook group - just sign onto facebook and search for Weir Action Group.