Water taxis halted as weeds choke river

4 hours ago

Paul Murphy,East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire climate and environment correspondentand

Holly Phillips,East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire

News image — Weed growth is causing problems on the River Welland in Spalding

BBC A drone view of a river, with a large part covered in light green weeds that appear to form a carpet over the surface. A smaller part of the river is more naturally black. Paths run along either bank, with houses, trees and roads visible. — Weed growth is causing problems on the River Welland in Spalding

A water taxi has suspended services because of the "frustrating" condition of a river, according to its manager.

The Spalding Water Taxi and Boat Hire has cancelled crossings of the River Welland for a week after weeds blocked the waterway.

"It's not just my frustration, it's for the whole town and people who come and visit," operations manager Anthony Grunwell said. "I'm really letting them down and I feel for them very much."

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: "We understand people's love of this river and are working with our partners to remove the blockage and resolve the issue."

The taxi, a not-for-profit service, usually operates between various points in the town centre and outskirts of Spalding.

The company also operates self-drive boats that can be taken as far as Crowland, but the vessels are now tied up.

Grunwell said the channel had narrowed over time because of weed growth on both banks.

"If this continues to happen, it will be an exit for water, but not an area that can be used by the residents," he said.

"If we had to cease trading it would be a tremendous loss to the town and the environment."

A drone shot of four small, white boats tied up in a river covered in a carpet of light green weeds, with green banks, trees and a road visible. — Four of the company's boats are standing idle

Grunwell said he and his colleagues wanted to open up the river to as many users as possible, but the problems meant his hands were "extremely tied".

He has been working with the Environment Agency to solve the problem.

"My boats will be damaged beyond repair if I were to try and get through and retrieve some of that weed," he added.

The Environment Agency said weed growth was more common during periods of hot, dry weather.

A spokesperson said contractors would start work on Saturday to address the blockage and improve conditions for river users.

The aim would be to remove as much weed as possible, but river conditions might mean some floating vegetation would continue to travel downstream and gather.

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