CAMPAIGNERS have been heralding the successful start of a trial of a new solution to Watchet’s mud problem.

Watchet Silt and Mud Group was launched in January calling on the authorities to allow an expert with an alternative method to removing the mud to be allowed to trial his device.

After months of campaigning, in June the relevant authorities gave permission for the trial to go ahead, and this week it started.

The Watchet Silt and Mud Group’s preferred solution involves the use of ‘air-lift’ technology which sends compressed air down tubes which helps turn the mud into liquid so that it can leave the harbour as the tide goes out.

The group claim the system is cheaper and more efficient than dredging and has been widely used in other harbours and the off-shore industry.

Watchet Town Councillor and member of the Watchet Silt and Mud Group Robin Nuttall said: “Having gained all the relevant permissions our engineer Kevin Wheeler arrived at the quayside with his apparatus and began an exploratory test of the airlift rig.

“After a few slight teething troubles and a bit of tweaking, a full proof-of-concept trial was undertaken on Saturday morning (August 11) that was observed to be a rousing success by all who witnessed it,” Mr Nuttall said.

“You could see that the technique could rapidly vacuum the silt deposits from the harbour floor and observe the suspended solution drifting out of the harbour on the outgoing tide.

“I was very impressed with the raw power of the rig and its ability to make remove so much mud in a short space of time, at little cost and with no harm to the marine environment.”

The Silt and Mud Group proceeded to give an official demonstration of the apparatus in action to local authority representatives on Tuesday.

For more details find the Watchet Silt and Mud Group on Facebook.