Views sought on two schemes to improve the River Avon running through Chippenham

Residents and local businesses are being asked for their views on two related projects to improve the River Avon which runs through Chippenham.

A proposed scheme being led by the Environment Agency, involves the removal of the aging radial gate and weir in Chippenham and replacement with smaller weirs to enhance the amenity and ecological value of the river, along with additional enhancements to the river throughout the town.

This project falls under the wider Chippenham One Plan, which is a new Town Centre Masterplan for Chippenham that local people had the opportunity to comment upon last year. Its aim is to help boost Chippenham's economy, enhance the environment and celebrate the town's heritage.

To support this new scheme, Wiltshire Council will be running in parallel a consultation on the development of a Chippenham Avon Project Masterplan to provide better flood mitigation, improve the public realm through the town centre and to provide a focal point for the town.

The Environment Agency and Wiltshire Council have teamed up so both public consultations will run from Tuesday 16 April until 5pm on Tuesday 28 May 2024. During this six-week period, joint public events are being held to ensure local people can discuss the proposals in greater detail, ask any questions they may have and share their views. These public drop-in events are being held at:

• Wiltshire Council's office in Monkton Park in the reception area, Friday 19 April 2024 from 2pm to 7pm

• Town Hall in the High Street, Chippenham, Monday 22 April 2024 from 2pm to 7pm

• Town Hall in the High Street, Chippenham, Wednesday 8 May 2024 from 2pm to 7pm

From Tuesday 16 April, the consultation questionnaire from the Environment Agency can be completed online at www.chippenhamavonproject.com (opens new window). The consultation questionnaire from Wiltshire Council can be completed online from the same date at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/ChippenhamAvonProject. If anyone requires help completing the survey or would like the consultation material provided as a paper copy or in a different format, please contact Customer Services on 0300 456 0100.

Hard copies of both the questionnaires are available from

• The Rt Hon Michelle Donelan MP's office
• Wiltshire Council's Monkton Park office reception
• Chippenham Town Council reception
• Chippenham Library
• Chippenham Community Eco Hub
• The Olympiad

Once completed both questionnaires can be left at reception or posted/handed in to Major Projects, Wiltshire Council, Bythesea Road, Trowbridge, Wiltshire BA14 8JN.

A free public online webinar is being held on Wednesday 17 April 2024 at 6pm. The live webinar will be broadcast via Microsoft Teams. People interested in attending can register by emailing Communications@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window). People are also encouraged to submit questions in advance via this email address. A recording of the webinar will be added to www.wiltshire.gov.uk/ChippenhamAvonProject shortly after the event.

Ron Curtis, Wessex Area Flood Risk Manager for the Environment Agency, commented: "We are excited to be able to present our preferred concept for the improvement works to the River Avon in Chippenham. This will address the major operational and safety concerns we have in relation to the existing gate and weir structure, whilst also helping to restore more natural habitats within the river. It will assist in keeping people safe from flooding whilst enabling the local ecology to thrive and also enhance the amenity value of the area."

Cllr Richard Clewer, Leader of Wiltshire Council, commented: "Chippenham Avon Project will be a lasting legacy of riverside green space and urban wildlife habitat for the people of Chippenham and its visitors to enjoy well into the future. It is important that local people have a voice in developing the Chippenham Avon Project Masterplan which will act as a blueprint for the development and improvement of this wonderful natural resource, River Avon and its surroundings.

"We want to hear from local people about their views so we have the right kind of schemes coming forward in the future to benefit Chippenham as a whole."

All feedback must be received by 5pm on Tuesday 28 May 2024.