Work to replace Thames weir to go ahead (From The Oxford Times)
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Work to replace Thames weir to go ahead
6:10pm Tuesday 17th April 2012 in News
WORK will be going ahead to replace Rushey Weir near Buckland this week despite plans for similar work being postponed near Appleton.
The Environment Agency is replacing paddle and rymer weirs, which are unique to the Thames, with mechanised versions.
It says the modernisation is necessary for health and safety and flood alleviation reasons.
Four of the nine paddle and rymer weirs along the river have already been replaced.
But plans for Northmoor Weir were put on hold after an outcry from locals over the loss of local heritage.
Rushey is the next in line with work expected to begin this week. As it is a Grade II-listed structure, some of the lighter paddles will be kept in place to maintain the “heritage element” of the weir.
Work on Northmoor is postponed indefinitely but the weirs at Iffley and Goring are still expected to be mechanised.
