In response to concerns raised about the impact of powered watercraft on efforts to protect the damaged walls of the River Blyth, an agreement has been reached to close the river when this delicate work is taking place.

Officers from Suffolk Coastal and Waveney District Councils met with representatives from the Environment Agency (EA) and the Blyth Estuary Waterski Club to discuss practical short-term measures to allay concerns about the impact of powered watercraft on the River Blyth. In addition, it was agreed to investigate the long-term future of such activity on this stretch of the river.

A spokesperson for both Councils said: “We fully appreciate the concerns expressed by the Blyth Estuary Group and Southwold Harbour Users Association and have therefore met to discuss a practical solution.

“It was agreed at the meetings that there will be no power-boat activity on the river upstream of the Bailey Bridge when work is taking place on the river walls. The Southwold Harbour Master will support this, by controlling access to the river via the Public Slip. At other times he will continue to inform motor boat users of the potential implications and encourage them to go to sea as opposed to up river.

“This will be a voluntary arrangement affecting all river users and will be supported by the Blyth Waterski Club, the Environment Agency, Natural England, Waveney and Suffolk Coastal District Councils.

“Close liaison will be required between the Blyth Estuary Group and Southwold’s Harbour-Master to ensure that we receive advance notice of any work and can publicise the closures in the media and at the launching points in Southwold Harbour. Whilst we understand that this work depends on volunteers and the weather, we will attempt to give as much notice as possible.

“This measure should come into effect as soon as possible. The Harbour-Master will also initiate a monitoring exercise to provide an indication of the levels of usage of the Blyth by powered watercraft.”

In the medium-term, the EA has been asked to feedback on whether in their opinion power-boats are causing significant erosion in the area. A report received in 2006 from the EA indicated that they felt the damage was not significant enough to ban the activity. The EA has agreed to specifically look for such evidence during its next monitoring exercise. Details of the monitoring programme are being sought, so consideration can be given to whether additional monitoring is required.

They continued: “Any decisions on the future use of powered watercraft on the upper estuary would be subject to there being evidence of erosion of the river walls caused by this activity. A further meeting incorporating a site visit by boat has been proposed to take a closer look at the area under threat of erosion.

“We are aware of the important work that is being undertaken in this area and of the need to base any decision on the future use of this stretch of the river on evidence and professional advice. We have taken this positive step to assist in the delicate operation of repair and to ensure that we have all the information we need to make a balanced and informed decision.”