Chelmer and Blackwater

[glenp]

Back on the thread about the possible dinghy raid I did promise to ask about the weed cutting on the navigation. Remembered to do so today as I'm down in Essex with waterway recovery group for a working weekend.

Firstly I'm told there is no particular plan or schedule to the weed cutting, it's just a case of as-and-when they've got the time and in need doing. The floating pennywort is the biggest problem as cutting it causes more problems than it solves so they have to try and get it out intact.

Secondly I understand Wharf Road car park is currently out of use due to travellers being in residence. It's taking time to resolve the situation and I gather the area adjacent to the lock is in a very unpleasant state. Hopefully if anything is planned for later in the year this will have been sorted.

 

[Bru]

Cheers Our Kid,

I'll try and pick up the idea and run with it when we get sorted out in the new bricks and mortar. The problems at Wharf Road are a bit of a nuisance to say the least (weed we'll just have to cope with).

 

[tidclacy]

As far as I am aware the Wharf road problems are solved. The Travellers were ousted about ten days ago.

 

[AliM]

We walked the majority of the towpath along your proposed dinghy trip on Thursday. There are new lock gates on several of the locks, all of which seemed to be in action except Papermill, which is expected to be fully renovated by Easter weekend. There was no weed, (but you would not expect it at this time of year,) but it looked pretty scummy with floating dead reeds mainly at the Heybridge to beeleigh section. Only two boats were out, both near Papermill, but the moorings were pretty full, so expect a bit more traffic in the summer. For anyone who decides to walk it, it is a lovely easy walk with only one or two very short muddy sections - the rest well maintained and would be quite easy on a decent bike too (but a bit too rough for a standard cheap folding bike).

 

[Bru]

Ere Glen, there's a couple of bits of towpath you lot have missed! Get some 'oggin in and get busy!

 

[Bru]

Jesting apart, more urgent matters mean I've put the idea of a dinghy bash on hold as far as me being actively involved in organising it is concerned

I definitely intend to do it but I don't know when

Anyone who wants to step in and take on making it happen, feel free. I won't be upset