River's Makeover
To improve facilities for boaters and other
river users, the North bank of the River Great Ouse, in Bedford,
has undergone reconstruction work and it is now close to
completion.
The mooring facility has been constructed as
part of the wider programme of river improvement works that Bedford
Borough Council is undertaking. Other visible work includes the new
path linking the East end of Longholme Lake through to the
Willington cycleway, Gudgeons Meadow and Priory Country Park.
Also, further major works will include
improvements to the Duck Mill Weir and riverside access points and
path improvements in the Queen’s Park area to improve links to the
Great Denham development.
Cllr Doug McMurdo, portfolio for Leisure and
Culture, at Bedford Borough Council, said: “The river really is one
of the Borough’s greatest assets with a huge amount of potential.
The work undertaken will help us to make the most of it as a
destination of choice for residents and visitors to enjoy.”
The Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave Hodgson,
said: “Our river is stunning and these works will assist us in
making it more accessible for everyone. We work all year round to
ensure the river, and its surroundings, remain cared for.”
Martyn Pearson, Chairman, Bedford River User
Group, said: “These repair works, which the Council
has undertaken, will certainly be appreciated by the
boating community who hopefully will be visiting Bedford over the
forthcoming summer months.”
As part of a drive to encourage more residents
and visitors to visit and enjoy the Borough’s River, Bedford
Borough Council is also looking into the possibility of introducing
rowing boat, canoe and chauffeured punt hire from the centre of
Bedford. The Council has invited expressions of interest from
suitably experienced operators to run a commercial service from the
steps by Town Bridge opposite the junction of Newnham Road and The
Embankment.