By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
A metal boom which has been blocking a Tewkesbury footbridge over the River Avon since the recent flooding is soon to be removed.
A boom is an obstacle across a navigable stretch of water which is used to control or block navigation.
The boom which floated in the Avon was swept up over the wall near Abbey Mill during the recent flood and became grounded when water levels receded.
It has caused an obstruction to pedestrians wishing to walk from across from St Mary’s Road to the Severn Ham.
Now the Environment Agency (EA), who do not own the boom, says it will be removing the end of the boom to improve access to their sluice structure there.
The Avon Navigation Trust will remove the remaining section in March when their workboat is in the area.
The EA said in a notice attached to the boom that they were aware of the obstruction but explained that they did own it.
“The boom in its current position is obscuring access to our sluice control unit and as such we are able to exercise our powers under the Water Resources Act (1991) to remove the boom from the site,” the notice reads
“Prior enquiries regarding the boom have not identified any individual or organisation who claims ownership or responsibility for this boom.”
The notice also said if the owner did not come forward before February 2 they would begin its removal.
A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: “The boom was swept up over the wall during the recent flood and became grounded when water levels receded.
“Although we are not the owner and have no responsibility, we can confirm that we will be removing the end of the boom this week to improve access to our sluice structure at Abbey Mill. The Avon Navigation Trust will remove the remaining section of boom in March when their workboat is in the area.”