Plans for moorings at Cantley

FLOOD defence work between the sugar beet factory and village staithe at Cantley, near Acle, is set to increase the number of moorings and create a new slipway.

FLOOD defence work between the sugar beet factory and village staithe at Cantley, near Acle, is set to increase the number of moorings and create a new slipway.

The �320,000 scheme, recommended for approval at Friday's meeting of the Broads Authority planning committee, is being put forward by the Environment Agency, working in partnership with the parish council, Broads Authority and Broadland District Council.

The work would involve minor repairs to the concrete wall protecting the sugar factory, but would focus on the staithe area, building a new clay bank set back from the existing one.

The area between the river and new bank would be landscaped to create a flat area for safer recreational use.

Dilapidated jetties would be replaced by floating pontoons that would increase mooring from the current level of five to seven boats to seven permanent moorings for the parish, three temporary moorings and a further three permanent moorings for use by the Reedcutters pub.

The work - likely to be carried out in two phases later this year - would also have the benefit of providing a new slipway for launching small dinghies and fishing boats.

Cantley Parish Council has welcomed the scheme, saying it would “create a valuable village amenity”, but the Broads Society is objecting over concerns that use of the slipway would not be regulated to ensure users are aware of by-laws regarding speed limits and boat registration.