The Environment Agency report that:
Improvements to the Ladybridge Weir, which currently acts as a barrier to fish, started on Monday 11 March. The work involves installing a fish pass, which uses a set of plates or ‘baffles’ set within a concrete channel. The baffles slow the water down and create water conditions which make it easier for fish to pass. There will also be a special section to allow eels to migrate through the fish pass. Once this work is completed fish will be able to move freely upstream, where they once were unable to.
The new fish pass will open up over 37km of river to migrating fish and it will increase the number of fish using the river.
Christopher Grzesiok, Fisheries Technical Specialist for the Environment Agency said:
“Construction of this fish pass at Ladybridge Weir is part of a regional programme of works by the Environment Agency to improve fish migration over man-made barriers in our rivers. We’re delighted to be able to do this as it will bring significant benefits to the local environment and wildlife in future years.”
The work is being carried out under the Water Framework Directive (WFD) which aims to protect and improve the quality of water environments, helping to support habitats and the wildlife which depends on them.
