A new ramp to allow the public to access the River Welland through Spalding is being proposed as a result of a festival that ‘proved a point’.
While there is an access owned by Welland Yacht Club, the only safe public access is at Crowland, the man behind the recent Celebrate The River festival told Spalding Town Forum last week.
Coun James Le Sage says it has led to talks with local authorities and a canoe club about a public entry.
And, he said, an area of land opposite the yacht club has been identified as a possible location for it.
“For us to really make a difference we need to open the river up more,” Coun Le Sage said. “That means we need better access to it.
“Without the yacht club’s permission, the closest ramp the public can use is at Crowland and that’s a long way to come on a paddleboard.
“The opposite side of the river from the yacht club had been identified by the Rivers Authority as a possible place to put it.
“We’ve also had some interest from a rowing society which would like to use the Welland but they currently can’t because they can’t get their rowing skiffs on to the water safely.
“We could look to get what they call canoe portages to help them get on the river.
“Anglian Water has said it will look at joint funding opportunities but it’s probably something the councils could look at too.”
Coun Le Sage also took the opportunity to thank everyone who played a part in the Celebrate The River Day which included a flotilla heading from the yacht club’s open day to The Moorings pub.
“It was a great day that was very well attended with lots of smiley faces, including 20 to 30 people on each bridge going into town,” he continued. “There were 35 crafts on the river including paddbleboards, canoe, even a pirate boat.
“I think it proves a point. I’ve always said we do not make enough of the river.
“The art Transported have installed along the river is fantastic and, I think, it’s something the district council should work more towards, ensuring the river is used to its full potential.
“It encourages tourism and brings people to the town.
“If you want to bring people to this town and make it more touristy then give people things to look at.
“If you give them nothing, they’re not going to come.”
Coun Le Sage also said leftover money that had been raised for the Celebrate The River Day would go towards paying for six paddleboards for attendees who tried the sport out but didn’t have their own boards to use.
