Dragon Interview: Lead Councillor Explains Council Policy on Tumbling Bay Weir

Published on: 2 Mar, 2023
Updated on: 5 Mar, 2023

By Martin Giles

The council has formally and publicly decided to “do nothing” about the continuing closure of the towpath over the Tumbling Bay Weir since its collapse in 2019.

But Guildford Borough Council is our local government for Guildford, can it really wash its hands of the issue?

This is the first question put to John Rigg the lead councillor responsible for the council’s part in the negotiations that have taken place with the weir’s owner the National Trust.

See also: Tumbling Bay Weir ‘Not Our Responsibility’ Says GBC and Choose ‘Do Nothing’ Option

Cllr Rigg is also asked why, if GBC has no responsibility, it gave NT £400,000 for the temporary repair in 2020?

And why is there no mention in the council report, debated last week, of the credible account of Chris Shaw who says he carried out maintenance of the weir as a GBC-employed engineer until the late 1980s?

Also, where is the engineer’s report that says a temporary bridge is not possible? Has Cllr Rigg seen it?

Cllr Rigg also gives a short summary of the latest position with North Street and the speculation that St Edwards, the developer whose planning application was refused in January, has decided to appeal.

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