A LETTER of congratulations is to be sent to the Environment Agency and South West Water, following completion of a major project in the River Tavy in Tavistock. The work to create a new salmon weir and install new screens between the river and Tavistock Canal has been going on since July and is now finally complete, after additional clearance of foliage, undergrowth and tree surgery works along the river bank by St John?s Walk. Members of Tavistock Town Council?s properties committee last week said tribute should be paid to the partners involved in the project ? particularly in relation to their dealings with the public. Cllr Mandy Govier said: ?That river walk is absolutely fabulous now, and Dave French from the Environment Agency has been absolutely fantastic. ?He?s been there every day, come rain or shine, talking to the public, and he?s done more for public relations for the town and the area than anything we could pay for. People have learned so much about what?s been going on, he?s been very helpful to everyone.? The committee heard the foliage clearance undertaken by the Environment Agency to counteract the prolonged closure of Abbey Walk was estimated at £8,000 ? the area would now be kept clear and seats would be placed there. A ?mechanical arm? was due to be installed this week, and the railings and tarmac along the pathway replaced. Cllr Ted Sherrell queried the installation of the ?arm?. ?I was hauled out of the post office by a tax payer to see this strange machine ? what is it and does it have planning permission?? he asked. Town clerk Roger Howard told the committee the ?arm? was to remove debris from the river. ?It?s there in lieu of a man in a wetsuit being dangled down in a harness with a shovel ? it?s got full planning permission,? he said.
