Visitors to the city’s third networking conference voiced their approval for The River Regeneration Trust’s continuing emphasis on bringing the river back into daily life.
Bath and North East Somerset Council’s River Champion, Cllr Dave Laming (Lambridge ward, Independent), said: ‘At last our river has again been recognised as a driving force for the social and economic regeneration not only of the City, but also the surrounding towns and villages.
“We must now ensure it becomes a safer environment, work to minimise the flood risk, safeguard its ecology, connect it to our communities for leisure and sport, use it as a source of energy and transport, but most importantly, it will be a catalyst for job creation.”
Members of the Trust had take-away information sheets on offer, as well as more detailed colour representations prepared by Trust consultant James Hurley showing the potential of the 30 km of river frontage in the Trust’s remit from Bath City to Hanham Lock.
Chairman of The Trust, Geoff Dunford, also Director of Bristol Rovers football club, added: ”We plan to transform this great local waterway asset into a more accessible, enjoyable and productive amenity for communities on, by and local to the river.”
The River Regeneration Trust now advises the council’s Strategic River Group and will push ahead with plans for a public river hub near Pulteney Weir.
More information on The Trust can be found by visiting its website at www.theriverregenerationtrust.co.uk and following them on Twitter @TRRTUK.
