Plans to create a barrage across the River Blackwater have been sunk by Maldon district councillors.

Following a long debate at last night's (Thursday's) full council meeting, the idea of a 500m tidal bar from the former tip on the Maldon side of the river to Herring Point on the Heybridge bank was overwhelmingly rejected.

The scheme would allow a minimum water level to be retained at all times in the upper reaches of the river and prevent siltation of the port.

It was hoped the scheme would lead to a boost in the number of water activities available in the area and provide a boost to the local economy.

Alan Cheshire (Con, Heybridge West), who first put forward the idea, said he was "disappointed and surprised" by last night's refusal by the council's planning, highways and environment committee to spend £1,750 on an initial assessment of the scheme.

He said: "We must look to the future and if nothing is done the river will cease to be navigable in 15 to 20 years.

"A sealock could bring it alive again with better job prospects. Maldon could become a centre of excellence for marine features."

He was supported by Bryan Harker (Con, Heybridge East) who said the idea should not be "killed off at birth". It might not be a runner but we should seek more consultation."

But the majority of councillors were against progressing the matter any further. Bob Boyce (Con, Althorne) said rejecting further action on the proposal did not kill it stone dead.

"We shall now see what sort of response it gets from the public but I believe it will destroy Maldon as we know it. It will certainly drive the barges away and you will see the ecology of the area change completely."

Rodney Bass (Con, Great Totham) said spending £1,750 now would not be an end to the matter.

"It is open to the public to bring it up again at any time. To go forward now is not in the best interests of the council."

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.