Salmon-run deadline for Ludlow weir workmen

The first phase of work to conserve Castle Weir on the River Teme in Ludlow is in full swing in. But engineers need to have finished so they do not disturb the run of salmon moving upstream to spawn in October and November.

Standing in the shadow of the town's castle, the weir is considered one of Ludlow's most scenic attractions.

But two years ago expert surveyors found serious stonework damage beneath the water at the structure, also known as Dinham Weir.

A figure of £250,000 was quoted to repair it, but the scheme has suffered constant delays and was even under threat of not going ahead at all.

Officials at Dinham Millennium Green Trust, which owns the weir, feared it would be lost forever until funding was finally netted from Shropshire Council and Veolia Environmental Trust for the first phase to start last month.

The current work is focusing on 30 metres of the weir – running from the rear of the Mill on the Green – and on the strengthening of the stone structure along the entire length of the weir's toe.

Paul Nicholls, Dinham Millennium Green Trust chairman, said: "Everything has to be completed in time for the expected salmon run in November.

"We owe huge thanks to these two funding bodies for their help with this phase of the work and for seeing the merit and urgency of our scheme.

"We still have considerable work to do.

"Plans are in the pipeline for a phase two of the operation, which will hopefully go ahead the same period of next year.

"The weir is very important to Ludlow, not least for its historical and scenic attributes. After inspections revealed damaged structure beneath the waterline, we couldn't afford to delay."

Alongside the project, the Environment Agency and Severn Rivers' Trust are also planning to create a fish pass through meadowland at the weir's north-western end.

Mr Nicholls said: "This too must be completed quickly in order to accommodate the October/November run of salmon moving upstream to spawn. Low water in 2011 meant that many failed to make the journey."

When the fish pass is created, the structure will mean the fish will not have to jump out of the river to get over the weir - theoretically saving valuable energy for spawning.

The sight of salmon leaping upstream – a popular sight for tourists in the town over the years – could therefore soon become a thing of the past. But although visitors to Ludlow may not see as much activity from the riverside they will able to take a closer look with an underwater visitor video link.

Trustee David Edwards said: "Construction of a fish pass by the Environment Agency and Severn Rivers Trust will provide for a video link to the Mill on the Green.

"We are informed the camera will record the salmon passing through and give an immediate feed to a screen at the Mill. Watching salmon make spectacular leaps off Castle Weir in November and December each year has been a popular pastime for many Ludlow people."

Tony Bostock, of Severn Rivers Trust, said: "Fish will continue to leap the weir although we hope the vast majority will eventually find a route upstream using the fish pass.

"We shall do all we can to cater for public interest in this miracle of nature."