Hopes to bring paddle boards and more water craft to help boost town

Could getting more water craft onto the River Welland be a way to help rejuvenate the town centre? Spalding councillor James Le Sage and trader Julian Wheeler have both put forward ideas to make greater use of the River Welland to help attract more visitors to the area. Photographer Mr Wheeler has suggested that the Coronation Channel could be an ideal paddle boarding venue while Coun Le Sage is working on plans to make access onto the river easier. The Spalding St John’s district councillor is in talks with the Environment Agency (EA) and Anglian Water about the possibility of adding canoe portages and possibly a slipway to help launch water craft on the river.

Currently the closest slipway is in Crowland but by having one in Spalding, it is hoped to see rowing skiffs on the Welland. Coun Le Sage has long been calling for greater use of the river by suggesting punting and is also organising a water day on June 8. He said: “We have got the Celebrate the River Day coming up and that will prove that there should be better use of the river.



“I see no reason why that should not be the case and I’m working with Anglian Water and the EA to try to improve access to the river with canoe portages and a slipway. “What we are missing in Spalding is easy access to the river. The closest slipway is in Crowland and that is a long way.

I’m all for the river being used.” Coun Le Sage, who is also in favour of the paddle boarding idea, feels that having water craft on the river will attract people to the area but stressed that they would have to co-exist with the Spalding Water Taxi and fishermen. He estimates that the cost of introducing two canoe portages would be £30,000 while a slipway would be more expensive at £150,000.

Mr Wheeler, who runs Welland Photo Services in The Crescent and is one of the traders fighting against the Spalding Business Improvement District levy, feels that installing a jetty on the Coronation Channel could lead to wider improvements. He said: “It wouldn’t take a lot of work or funding to provide a jetty to launch paddle boards from. “The Coronation Channel could also be used for kayaking and canoeing.

There could also be a shop and cafe. “There are plenty of people I know that go from here to places like Tallington Lakes or Tattershall Lakes as that is where they have to go. “The Coronation Channel would be ideal to me as a paddle board venue as the water is flat and not a great expanse of water.

” Welland Yacht Club’s Sailing Secretary Andy Prior said he would like to encourage more on water activities. He said: “Similar size towns with a river flowing through seem to make more of it than we do and it would be good for the town as well as the yacht club. “The more the river could be used, the better it is for the town.

” Mr Prior said that the club last year hosted a rowing skiff team who were impressed with the river but the only downside was the difficulty in getting the boats on the water due to the lack of portages. He said: “It was absolutely brilliant to see rowing skiffs on the river and the surprising side is that they said it was one of the best bits of river to row on. “They were very impressed with the water and the club.

The only downside was launching the boats.” Mr Prior said that if the area was able to get the correct facilities, there would be no reason why a rowing club could not be launched in the town. A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: “We are keen to see the local community enjoying the River Welland safely.

“We have met with Coun Le Sage and will continue to work with him as he explores funding options for the possible slipway and canoe portages.” - Coun Le Sage (South Holland Independents) is one of the candidates hoping to represent Spalding South on Lincolnshire County Council. The other candidates are: Lesley Joan Allinson (Lab), Karen Carless (Lib Dem), Gary John Taylor (Con), Phil Webb (Reform UK), Stephen Welton (Green Party).

Do you feel it would be a good idea to make greater use of the river? Post a comment below...

.