QUESTIONS have been raised about a new watercraft launching site built by the Environment Agency at the side of the river by Welshmill.
Construction works began in August, with the Environment Agency building the unit to help carry out essential maintenance to reduce flood risk in Frome.
Contractors widened the existing access path to allow plant and machinery to safely reach the site.
However, at the full Frome Town Council meeting last month, Cllr Sara Butler asked questions about the size and location of the site, and the impact it has on the surrounding scenery.
She said, “[I have a few questions around the new water jetty] and the location and the choice to position it in such a beauty spot, literally opposite a picnic table. Why could not an agreement be made with the canoe club who have a jetty a mere jump away? They could have modified, improved and supported the canoe club. Why does it need to be so big, and how often is it going to be used?”
Residents have also expressed concerns about the scale and location of the jetty, damage to the ground, and the removal of trees.
Frome Town Council’s environment manager Rob Holden said the Environment Agency has used that spot over the years and holds statutory powers, which means the agency could insist on the work.
“The reason it is so big is because to get the vehicle that will lift off the boat into the water,” he said. “The Environment Agency will use it once every six months, so it won’t be used often. [I think we should] acknowledge that we are spared the hard work of managing the riverbank and the Environment Agency take that role on and so they do works to ensure that the water flows freely, that there are no blockages. They do a lot of work from the boat they launch into the river. It is essential works and this is the stabilising of the access point they have always used.”
Frome Town Council has agreed to contact the Environment Agency and to seek answers to the questions raised.
