Progress Report for the Frome and Piddle Fisheries Association appeal
15th October 2007
I am writing to you as a contributor to the Frome and Piddle Fisheries Association appeal to let you know that work on the construction of the fish pass at Louds Mill, Dorchester was started this summer but unfortunately had to be suspended with a view to completion next year.
The Environment Agency, our partners in the project, are as disappointed as we are but have explained that unexpected problems were encountered:
- Firstly the dam wall and the downstream retaining wall leak water to such an extent that it proved very difficult to keep the working area behind the coffer dams (above and below the weir) dry enough for construction work.
- Secondly the sheet piling for the coffer dam walls will have to be far longer than anticipated due to a "mushy" substrate continuing to a very considerable depth.
- Extra funds could not be sourced quickly enough to allow the project to continue this year.
- However the E.A., both locally and nationally, are very determined to see this fish pass built and the FPWDFA share the E.A.’s optimism that next year will see the completion of this long awaited project.
Thanks to the generous response to our appeal by so many people such as yourself we are in a position to increase our contribution (currently set at £20000) by, say, 25%.
Given the overall sums this would be more a gesture of continued support (and good P.R. for both parties) than anything else.
No monies have been made over to the E.A. to date. The FPWDFA would welcome your views. Whilst writing I can let you know that improvement work on the Bindon hatches is complete and work on tracing the sources of the silt burden in the river is on–going.
Once again thank you for your support,
Yours sincerely,
Richard Slocock.
Chairman.
If you wish to Donate with Paypal, please use the button below.
Download a Donation and Gift Aid Declaration (PDF Document 10KB)
How to join us – See Here