HEREFORD and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) has teamed up with the Canal and River Trust in a bid to make Diglis Weir safer.
By re-positioning the boom (water safety barrier), rescue teams will now find it easier to reach any stranded boats in the area and boats will be guided to the safety of the channel upstream of Diglis lock.
With an increasing number of people getting stuck on the boom over the years, rescues can be challenging for the fire and rescue service.
Station Commander Phil Berry said: “Diglis Weir has long been a hazard on the River Severn that HWFRS has had to deal with incidents on and around for many years, in particular the boom upstream that prevents boats from travelling the wrong way down river and onto the weir itself.
“The re-positioning of the boom to its new location and accompanying new river signage was the result of close collaboration between the Canal & River Trust and HWFRS and all work completed by the Trust within a short timeframe this summer.”
Nick Worthington, waterway manager at the Canal and River Trust, said: “We’re really pleased to have worked with the fire service to get this done.
“Boating is a fantastic way of seeing Worcester, and this will make it that much easier and safer for boats coming in and out of the city.
“That said, there are always things to think about when boating on the River, and we’d urge everyone on the water to pay attention to the advice given when approaching Diglis Lock and visitor moorings,” he added.
Visit canalrivertrust.org.uk for more information about Canal & River Trust.
