BRIDGWATER residents are pressing Somerset County Council and the Canal and River Trust to put extra effort into improving Bridgwater Docks.

Mike Slade, who leads the Bridgwater branch of the Inland Waterways Association which carries out voluntary litter picks and various activities to help improve the docks, and Pat Robinson, a fellow volunteer and organiser of the Bridgwater Docks Gala, were joined by Somerset county councillor Dave Loveridge for a walk around the area in question.

Bridgwater Docks is owned by Somerset County Council and leased by the Canal and River Trust.

However parts of the docks have become an eyesore in recent years, with rubbish strewn about in the mud which is inaccessible by the lock gates.

The Canal and Rivers Trust’s lease on the docks is due to expire in July 2020, and Ms Robinson and Mr Slade want Somerset County Council to use this opportunity to give the docks a fresh start and ensure all of the conditions of the lease are fully met.

Ms Robinson said all the lock gates need to be fully operational.

“The lock gates have rotted in places, and if the lock gate failed it could have disastrous consequences for the 7.5 miles of canal between Bridgwater and Taunton,” Ms Robinson said.

“If you have a house and spot a problem with your roof, you deal with it before the roof falls in.”

Jon Horsfall, regional director of the Canal and River Trust, said: “We are in contact with Somerset County Council - who hold the freehold of the site - and have written to them recently to ask them to meet with the Canal and River Trust about the future of the docks when our current lease expires with them in July 2020.

“Any discussion will consider the best way of securing the future of the docks including their future use and maintenance.

“We are concerned by the allegation that the docks are in an unsafe condition.

“We would like to reassure everyone that safety is of paramount importance to us and the site is assessed regularly in this regard.

“The trust is confident that it has complied with the principle obligations it has under the terms of the current lease.”

The volunteers have put in hundreds of hours to help keep the docks looking as attractive as possible but say investment could go a long way.

“We are hoping the Northgate development could see some funds directed to help support the docks,” Mr Slade said.

“Coloured fairy lights could help make the area look more attractive, and we have looked at perhaps installing a metal arch as an entrance.

“We want something that will help attract people from the town centre to the docks.”

Other problems highlighted on the walk around the docks included the lack of bins, and areas of land used for parking that it was felt were not being managed efficiently.

A Somerset County Council spokesperson said: “We are aware of the concerns about the condition of the lock gates and the docks in general.

“This is the responsibility of the lease holder and we will be highlighting these concerns during any renewal discussions.”