Alcester’s river role brought into the 21st Century
WORK by officers of Alcester Court Leet to remove the accumulated debris from Gunnings Bridge on the River Arrow was undertaken on Saturday May, 9
Led by brook looker Leanne Slater, the targeted action helps reduce the risk of flooding in a known flooding hotspot, as well as protecting the 200-year-old bridge and its foundations.
Historically, the brook looker was responsible for checking the condition of all watercourses within the ancient Manor of Alcester ensuring rivers and brooks remained clean and free from obstruction or fouling.
Picture by Richard Slater
Today, the role continues to support the town by monitoring waterways, engaging with flood defence initiatives, and organising the annual river clean to target areas most in need of attention.
Working closely with local groups and agencies, Leanne has attended Floodwatch meetings, provided practical advice and observations that have been acted upon, and become a regular contributor to the River Arrow and Alne Revival Group (RAAR).
An important part of her work now includes testing and recording river water quality readings for submission to Safe Avon, helping to build an ongoing picture of the health of Alcester’s waterways.
Leanne Slater, Marc Venables and High bailiff, Sharon Constable. Picture by Richard Slater
“The ancient role has been brought firmly into the 21st Century thanks to the dedication and enthusiasm of Leanne,” said High Bailiff Sharon Constable.
“Since taking on the role, she has transformed what had become a largely forgotten position into one of real value and visibility within the community.”
“We congratulate her on revitalising the role of Brook Looker and turning it into something that is making a genuine difference for Alcester today.”
Debris clearance around bridges is important as it affects the way the water flows around the piers, resulting in increased scour (erosion of sediment which undermines bridge foundations).
It also increases the forces on the bridge which can compromise the stability of the bridge structure.
Debris can also result in an increase in upstream water levels and in the risk of flooding of adjacent areas particularly relevant in urban areas.
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