The Weir

This is the weir on the River Eden at Appleby . . . complete with Heron.

There is evidence that the weir was actually built in Roman times, but it was certainly later used by Bongate Mill which is close by. It was originally connected to a sluice gate and was used to channel water to power the mill wheels. When the mill closed and the wheels were removed, the weir became redundant and now it is causing concern within the community. 

The problem apparently is that it is deteriorating badly and becoming unstable and dangerous. The centre where the Heron is has been undermined and stone is washing out into the river. The weir was repaired as a Millennium project, but even this concrete is extensively cracked and bits are falling out. The problem can be seen in the Extra picture. The damage is much more obvious when there isn't as much water flowing over the weir. 

A group of local agencies have got together a Bongate Weir Group to find a permanent solution to the issue. There has been much research and analysis of possible solutions, but the only option seems to be to remove the weir altogether. A consultation has been taking place and it will be interesting to see what the result is.