The river running through the centre of Midsomer Norton is getting a major overhaul, councillors decided last night (January 14).

By unanimous vote they agreed to pay the contractor who looks after the much-maligned water, which stretches through the town, a lump sum to upgrade, replant and redesign the water way.

Councillors were told "Now is the time. Complaints about the river have been stacking up and it is the best time to put in new plants and work on the river in the early part of the year."

The work was further accelerated by complaints made at the first ever open Midsomer Norton council forum, during which residents complained about the river, calling it a "rubbish- filled disgrace."

But councillors heard that the river also suffers because of the Environment Agency's decisions about the height of the sluice gate, which controls flow and volume of the water.

So in addition to paying contractors a lump sum to make improvements, the council will be approaching the Agency, again, to ask them to allow more water to flow through the system.

Councillor Steve Plumley, who is also Deputy Mayor, told the finance meeting of Midsomer Norton Town Council: " It is almost like a jungle in the river, with high growing plants.Silt is also a problem. It is time to bite the bullet and do something. January/ February is the best time for this kind of work."

But the Councillor was also quick to explain that residents do not realise that the height of the river is governed by the Environment Agency, who have set the sluice gates to prevent flooding. The meeting heard that these gates were also often blocked, probably by rubbish from the main street, so just increasing regular cleaning is not enough.

Instead the Council voted to pay a one off sum, to be taken from council reserve, to:

- Re plant with shorter vegetation to improve the look and flow of the river

- Look into putting up signs about what the plants and fish, including the European crayfish, are in the river.

Councillor Mike Moxham told the meeting: " There are lots of fish in there, you would be surprised at all the kinds. People would be interested to know."

The maintenance company will continue to plant and maintain the river with a continuation of an annual clearing budget of £4,000 per annum.

The meeting heard that the company involved likes working in Midsomer Norton except for them being constantly criticised. "Which really upsets them with the comments, because it really isn't their fault. They work hard. We have paid a lot of money to the Environment Agency and it still keeps blocking."

For details on the last forum, hit the red button below.