River Ancholme - Brigg, North Lincolnshire

Three men in a boat

Wednesday, 31 March 2004

Ancholme with boat (inset)

... well, one man in a boat and two on a bank, but headings seem to require a weak pun. On a beautifully sunny morning the final phase of the construction of the River Ancholme safety barriers is underway.

The contract workers are pictured (inset) clearing the bank of the shrubs and trees which have grown their way through the river wall. It is many years since this part of the river was used as an industrial wharf for the Springs Jam and Sweet factory and nature has been quick to return.

A length of chain is being run through the existing metal hoops which are built into the wall and will hang down in swags. This should, hopefully, make it easier for people to escape from the river if they accidentally fall in. The bank on the east side of the Ancholme now looks splendid and leads the eye down to the new bridge in what is set to become a 'picture-postcard' scene.

This beautification, however, highlights by contrast the western bank which is in need of similar repair. It will be interesting to see how this bank shall be re-developed now that Trent Foods is no longer operating. The section of the old Sergeant's Brigg Brewery between Trent Foods and the new bridge has become a de-facto nature reserve and it would add a 'breathing space' to Brigg if this status could be officially preserved when this area is re-developed.

How do you think that the River Ancholme can be made more attractive or safe? Send an email with your views to: ed@brigglife.co.uk