Victory for anglers as plans for Severn dam changed

Controversial plans to build a huge dam on the River Severn appear to have been shelved, and anglers have been praised for their part in getting developers to seek alternatives.

Last year it emerged that a dam capable of holding 60 million cubic metres of water was being considered for construction at Shrewsbury, across which the new North West Relief Road would run. But, in a positive turn of events, a new blueprint now shows the road running over a viaduct, which doesn’t interfere with the flow of the river.

Ed Tate, joint chair of the Save Our Severn group, said:

“Anglers and clubs have been proactive since plans for the dam were revealed, sharing their experience and helping us to make developers aware of its impact on our area. They’ve helped us preserve the river not only for us, but for future generations.”

Among the lobbyists was Carl Humphreys of Prince Albert AC. He welcomes plans for a viaduct but is aware of future threats.

“This was just one battle,” he says.

“We expect developers to attempt to build a dam elsewhere. We’ll try to deflect anything they throw at us.”

Anglers continue fight to protect the fishing on the Severn