Proposals for Haugh Head ford raise fears

Councillors are to express their concerns about proposals to replace the Haugh Head ford on Wooler Water.
A fish hits the side of  the fish pass at Haugh Head ford on the Wooler Water.
 Picture by Jane ColtmanA fish hits the side of  the fish pass at Haugh Head ford on the Wooler Water.
 Picture by Jane Coltman
A fish hits the side of the fish pass at Haugh Head ford on the Wooler Water. Picture by Jane Coltman

It follows a meeting with representatives from the Environment Agency and Northumberland County Council.

As previously reported, the ford has, for some time now, been a problem to salmon and sea trout seeking to migrate upstream to spawn.

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Tweed Forum, through the River Till Restoration Strategy, is working with the Environment Agency, Natural England, the county council, the River Tweed Commission and local landowners to find a long-term solution.

But members are worried that the removal of the current ford will lead to issues. Coun Mark Mather said: “I think it’s going to cause problems not just for Haugh Head, but in Wooler.”

However, Coun Anthony Murray said: “My personal feeling is that a natural ford could work because it would not let any more water down than at present. We have to bear in mind it’s a salmon tributary and that’s partly why they are doing it.”

The parish council had also received a letter from a Haugh Head resident, expressing her worries about the proposals.