Footpath due to reopen end of February 2022
A key milestone of the Calstock Flood Defence Improvements project was reached in November 2021 when the existing old Tamar River embankment was breached.
The new scheme has reduced the risk of flooding to the local community, contributed to river quality improvements in the Tamar Estuary and provided 11 hectares of new inter-tidal habitat which will continue to develop into the future.
Although a great deal has been accomplished so far, following the breach the site has remained closed to the public. As the site owner, the Environment Agency have a duty to ensure it is safe for public use before permitting access. The following activities are required to make the site safe:
- Reinstatement of fencing at critical locations along the footpath and leading up to the new bridge
- Installation of new signage to inform pedestrians and river navigators of the new hazards such as deep water and fast moving currents
- Additional work on the bridge to extend the parapet railings and to reduce the rail spacing
The Environment Agency understand the importance of the Tamar Valley Discovery Trail to the local community and the wider public and, working with our partners, we endeavour to reopen the footpath as soon as possible.
We appreciate the support from the community in the delivery of this project and thank you for your understanding as we work to provide a site that is safe, accessible and enjoyable for all.
We kayaked up from Cothele to Morwhellan Quay on 17th Jan 2022. For the entire distance there was what apeared to be a scum of sewage on the River surface. We did see 1 kingfisher, although I can’t imagine how it could see anything to eat in the totally opaque water. I don’t think the measures in place for removing sewage/excessive muddy run of are functioning effectively (especially the former). A more and more concentrated murky soup is building up, but is not getting past Cothele.
We are liaising with agencies about water issues in the Parish. We will update as and when we have more news.