People are being encouraged to contribute to an independent review into the collapse of historic Newlay Weir in West Leeds.
The Grade II listed weir, which dates back to the 17th century, partially collapsed over the weekend of the 6 February following high river levels caused by Storm Christoph. The incident happened as work installing a fish pass at the side of the weir was being carried out
Environment Agency chiefs are appealing for video evidence and photos of the weir and fish pass taken by the community from 15 January to 15 February 2021. All evidence will be be analysed by engineering company Arup, which is conducting an independent review into why the damage happened.
A spokesperson said:
“This information will be used to assist with the investigation into the likely causes of the weir collapse. If suitable, the photos will be included in a report outlining the findings of the study.”
Evidence can be submitted here until 23 July 2021. The final report – which has no Environment Agency involvement – is due several weeks after that.
Calls for a independent review have been led by Pudsey MP Stuart Andrew and Horsforth councillor Jonathan Taylor, who said that they wanted to get to the bottom of why the damage happened and who should take responsibility for it.
The Environment Agency says work to protect properties affected by the collapse has also been carried out and work to complete the fish pass has continued.
Discussions between the Environment Agency and Leeds City Council into the future of the weir and fish pass have continued, pending the results of the independent investigation.
If somebody wants to send me an email about the collapsed weir at Pollard Bridge in Horsforth I can forward my photos to them. sarah.gilfillan@live.co.uk