ANOTHER powerful voice has been raised against plans by the Environment Agency to install safety barriers on the River Avon in the Vale.

The proposals have also attracted strong criticism from a businesswoman and an owner of Cropthorne Mill.

Now battle has been joined by Fladbury Paddle Club, which has already made its objections known to the agency by telephone.

President David Train said: "I'm writing to object in the strongest possible way to the idea of putting a barrier across the weir at Fladbury.

"While it may seem safe to put obstacles across rivers to prevent boats going over the weir, for canoeists any obstacle means that there is a possibility of capsize and just above a weir that is dangerous.

"Any such barrier is bound to collect fallen trees and again make it dangerous for canoeists should they capsize.

"In terms of boats other than canoes, there are already two ferry wires which boats would have to go through before going over the weir.

"In the last 33 years I recall only one incident that a boat hit a ferry wire and in that instance it stopped the boat. I believe therefore it to be unnecessary."

Geraldine Cooper, who runs Avon Leisure Cruises, moors the Spirit of Freedom alongside her Fladbury home when it is not in use.

But if the agency goes ahead with its plans to put a floating barrier on the weir next to Fladbury lock, Mrs Cooper will not be able to turn the 70ft cruiser.

Criticism was also launched by George Barrow, one of the owners of the Grade II listed Corpthorne Mill, who said he was furious about the proposals.

"The construction will be an unnecessary eyesore in front of the river's most attractive and architecturally significant mill," he said.

Roger Nunn, a flood defence engineer with the Environment Agency said: "We'll be considering comments before a decision is reached."