COLCHESTER Council has announced new measures to tackle the spread of unsightly surface weed and algae on the River Colne.

The town’s park rangers have started conducting regular checks between East Bay and the old lido at the Colne Bank roundabout to monitor the growth and spread of the invasive plant.

At least once a week rangers will open the weir gate at Middle Mill to flush the weed downstream and into the tidal stretch of the Colne.

Algae has invaded the river for the third summer in a row and despite ongoing measures to tackle the problem, strong winds and water abstraction have slowed movement downstream.

At the East Bay end of the river, the council says more than 200 metres of weed has amassed, meaning unless there is a lot more rainfall, specialist equipment may need to be brought in to remove the algae.

Ward councillor Simon Crow (Con, Castle) raised concerns with the council after noticing the algae problem had returned.

He said: “This has been building up for months through all the hot weather during lockdown and this is the first time I’m aware the council has done anything.”

Gazette:

  • Simon Crow took this photo of swans surrounded by algae in the river

Waste, environment and transportation boss Martin Goss said the river was in a much better condition than previous years.

He said: “With the weather being cooler this year, with less sunshine and more rainfall, the overall condition of the river has been a great deal better, with much less algae growth.

“There is, however, a short section where surface weed is more extensive than elsewhere and so we have asked the Environment Agency to undertake a health-check, including measuring oxygen levels, to ensure wildlife is safe.

“I would like to thank our Park Rangers for their efforts to tackle this recurring issue.

“As well as working closely with the Environment Agency to find an effective and lasting solution to the surface weed problem, we also continue to explore a range of measures, in consultation with users and stakeholders, to protect and enhance the fragile ecology of the River Colne, while boosting recreational and other amenity uses which it can sustain.”

The council is creating a plan to enhance the river’s natural and recreational use.