WORK is due to start in the next couple of weeks on a long delayed plan to restore and strengthen the ‘weir crest’ at Bridgend Mill, Settle.

The stone weir, which dates back to when the mill was first established in the late 1800s, was originally built to supply water to a waterwheel , still on view in what is now the mill’s car park.

A fish pass, built in the 1950’s by the Environment Agency, allows migrating fish, including salmon and trout, to negotiate the weir. In the 1970s, a wooden crest structure was added to help feed the fish pass.

From the mill’s conversion to apartments in the 1970’s until 2009 the intake channel and hand operated sluice gate, stood idle until the opportunity was taken to generate clean renewable hydro-electricity.

Since commissioning in 2009 one of England’s first Archimedes Screw hydro-electric generators has been in operation using the mill’s original infrastructure to supply homes in the area, including the residents of the converted mill.

Sandy Tod, director of Settle Hydro, said in recent years, following severe winter floods, the timber crest structure has taken a hammering from spate flows which can reach one and a half metres above the level of the weir crest.

“Damage to the hardwood crest boards, combined with rotting of some of the timber supports, made emergency repairs necessary and in September 2019 replacement of rotting timber supports, provided a temporary solution,” he said.

“Settle Hydro is dependent on the weir to maintain electrical output, and we drew up a plan to replace the weir crest with new timbers and steel support brackets at a cost of £15,000.

“Replacement of the crest boards is vital, not only to the future of Settle Hydro, but also to the operation of the fish pass.”

The weir, fish pass and hydro form a popular attraction to visitors to the town, while the pool formed by the weir is popular with anglers.

For visiting school and university groups it provides an example of how modern day adaptation of a piece of industrial heritage can contribute to a sustainable future.

Mr Tod added: “To many groups trying to develop their own local hydro schemes, including groups from overseas, Settle Hydro has provided a valuable source of experience and information. Restoration of the weir crest will not only ensure the future of the asset, but allows for refinement of the structure to make best use of the river flow. “

A crowdfunding appeal launched in 2019 has raised most of the funds necessary to carry out the work, but donations are still needed to cover the whole cost. Details can be found on Settle Hydro’s website http://www.settlehydro.org.uk/

Start of work, delayed by Covid 19, is planned for Monday, August 23, and subject to weather and Environment Agency restrictions on working in the river bed, has to be completed before the end of September.