A PART of Tavistock?s rich engineering heritage is geared to be preserved for posterity, thanks to Environment Agency and South West Water staff working at Abbey Weir. The partnership is installing an automatic screening device and a fourth weir to ease the migration of fish to their spawning grounds in the River Tavy. As part of the project, the team had to take out part of the old engineering works to the pen stocks. The stocks, with a ratchet and pin movement, were originally put in by the Victorians in the 1880s and cranked by hand ? later, in the 1930s, a motor was added to help open the gates. Steve Cryer from South West Water, who manages the hydroelectric stations at Mary Tavy and Morwellham, told the Times: ?The pen stocks control the gates that allows the water into Tavistock canal. We believe they are from the late Victorian period around the 1880s. Two motors were added in 1934 and a new one in 1977. For their age they are in beautiful condition and could last perhaps a 100 more years if looked after, but now we need a more accurate way of controlling the water to meet regulations and it will now be done by computer.? Steve said it would be a shame to see the items just scrapped, so this week he will be talking to Tavistock Museum and the Robey Trust to see if they can be preserved. Steve said the works, including the installation of a fourth weir, were progressing well. Steve added: ?We are very pleased with the progress and the work that has been done so far. There has been a small setback because of the unexpected recent flooding but the works team have done a very good job and we are just about back on schedule.? The projects is due to be completed by October 9 in time for Goose Fair and when completed much of the works will be underwater. Steve, who comes from Tavistock, added: ?When it is finished more fish will be able to get to their natural spawning grounds. It will also means that the river will receive a higher class, there will be more renewable energy and good for the environment.?
