RESIDENTS have been warned of "short-term inconvenience" with work is set to begin on on a project to install upgraded eel screens within the River Dee.

In a letter delivered to Boughton residents, Severn Trent's Community Communications Officer explains that the company will be investing £3.6 million to improve the Boughton Intake Works at Barrel Well Hill through upgrading eel screening equipment. Work is set to begin on Monday, September 4.

The company add that the works will require the closure of the Boughton river footpath, as a safety measure and to expedite the process.

Chester and District Standard: The letter indicates the scale of the closure on the riverside footpath.The letter indicates the scale of the closure on the riverside footpath. (Image: Severn Trent)

'An innovative solution'

Severn Trent say new screening equipment has been selected to "minimise the visual impact on Earl's Eye Meadows."

The upgraded screens will ensure that the water company are complying with the Eels Regulations 2009 and be set within the existing mound and fenced off area and that the current band screens will be removed as part of the project.

Severn Trent say an "innovative design solution" has been sought to minimise the visual impact on Earl's Eye Meadows. The eel screen will sit below the water level, with only a small amount of air pipework visible on the surface of the Dee.

The letter adds: "Periodically there will a be a discharge of air within the river which will only last a few seconds to clear any debris from the screens to maintain their efficiency."

"The new screens will have a smaller mesh size (2mm) than the existing band screen (6mm), this will prevent adult silver eels, yellow eels, juvenile glass eels and elver (as well as salmonid species fish) from abstraction into the intake."

The company say that the short-term inconvenience will have long-term benefits for the Dee's wildlife.

The work to upgrade the eel screens will begin on Monday, September 4 2023 with the project set to be completed by the end of March, 2025.

"The enabling works at the start of the project will be intermittent, and then move to a more regular site presence from December 2023."

Resident are advised that they can stay up to date with proceedings at: www.stwater.co.uk or contact the team regarding the project at: www.stwater.co.uk/howsourwork.

Residents can also direct queries to Community Communications Officer, Catherine Webb, on 07971 304604 between the hours of 8am and 5pm Monday to Friday.