Published: 27 Jun 23
Durrington River Park Update
The sharp bend at the river park has had a considerable amount of work and money spent on it to make it safer and slow down the erosion. There is a small stoney section of the bank now covered in topsoil and planting. The council have put a new fence around the area to protect it from being trampled and damaged before it has time to stabilise and take hold. The total cost of the project has come to around £14,000. If the bank is damaged and the fence is broken it costs time and money to put right which could be spent on other facilities in your Village.
The fence is there to protect the bank, there are signs asking that people stay off the bank. It seems that some people are ignoring the signs and have already trampled on the plants and pulled them out and thrown them into the river. This is a shame as the whole project is aimed at keeping the river park safe for the enjoyment of all.
The Council hopes last piece of the fencing will be finished next week at which point the orange safety fence will be removed. Please let your families know to avoid the bank behind the fence. It is hoped next year the area will be settled and growing well which will mean the Council can reinstate the children’s (under 16) fishing area by putting a stile in the fence for fishing access in 2024. Until then the under 16’s may fish responsibly anywhere else along the bank. Please ensure all fishing equipment is taken home, this includes hooks and wire as they are a danger to animals. A new fishing policy is being discussed and will be published when it is agreed. In the meantime, usual fishing rules apply and everyone over 16 needs a rod licence and all those fishing, save the under 12’s (who must be supervised), need a ticket which can be purchased from Nisa on Bulford Road.
The river park is a lovely place full of wildlife and plants and the Council wants to keep it this way, please help us look after your park. Please avoid the bank which is now fenced and stay away from the new planting. If you have to go in the river keep away from the fenced bank and remember there are sharp objects on the riverbed, be aware of cold shock from the water, strong currents, and the possibility of contracting diseases from river water or rats’ urine. As always children should be supervised. The river is not the healthiest place to swim!
Help us look after your River Park.