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Council appeal for help with riverbank erosion

Monday, 9 February 2026 12:18

River Aire, Gargrave

Gargrave Parish Council is inviting residents with specialist knowledge to help develop a plan to address ongoing riverbank erosion in the village.

Sections of the River Aire’s bank have collapsed following changes to the river’s flow after the removal of an old weir near Mill Lane in 2022.

The altered flow has also led to the displacement of the stepping stones at the Low Green river crossing. In addition, work is currently underway to relocate an electricity substation near South Street after the riverbank collapse undermined a retaining wall close to the existing structure.

Residents have been advised that the work may result in several very short electricity interruptions, each lasting less than a minute.

At a recent meeting, the parish council agreed to form a working group made up of councillors and local residents with relevant experience to develop a practical plan.

Concerns were also raised by residents living opposite the South Street substation about the potential for further bank collapse.

Acting chair of the parish council, Steve Coetzer, said the aim of the group will be to identify solutions that offer minimal cost with maximum impact.

He also noted that any work within the river is restricted by the Environment Agency to the period between June and October.

The parish council has already secured a Flood Risk Activity Permit to allow the temporary removal and storage of the displaced stepping stones, ahead of them being repositioned at a later date.

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