PLANS to install a safety barrier at Fladbury Weir on the River Avon have been turned down by planners after more than 100 people objected to the proposal, it was claimed this week.

The barrier was one of a number suggested by the Environment Agency to prevent boats straying into the weirs.

But opponents claimed: "Wychavon District Council planning department, having listened to our objections regarding the introduction of a chain plastic barrel barrier at Fladbury Weir, has refused the Environment Agency's application."

The proposal to erect the barriers had earlier been condemned by local canoeing clubs and by the owner of Cropthorne Mill.

George Barrow, one of the owners of the mill, said: "The construction will be an unnecessary eyesore in front of the river's most attractive and architecturally significant mill.

"The claim that the boom will be an important addition to the river's safety is entirely spurious."

The latest to join opposition to the barriers, David and Geraldine Cooper of Avon Leisure Cruises which owns the Spirit of Freedom on the Avon, said: "We are delighted to advise you that we obtained over 100 objections to the application.

"Unfortunately the application at Chadbury Weir was approved and this will detract from the beautiful scenery and could be a potential hazard for canoe and leisure boat owners alike, with anticipated debris collecting on the barriers, as well as negotiating a difficult manoeuvre when entering Chadbury Lock."

The couple said they were prepared to back anyone who appealed against the decision to grant permission.