AN Evesham man believes that one of the best views along the picturesque town riverside has been ruined due to the installation of a “garish and unnecessary” safety feature.

David Heritage, of Common Road, reacted with horror on Tuesday as a floating barrier over the weir, near the Lock House, Mill Bank, was put in.

He described the new addition, installed as part of a £330,000 Environment Agency project, as “giant emerald beads” and said it not only spoilt the view but in his opinion was not required.

“The reason for it is health and safety.

“There is a drop of two metres over the weir and the worry is that boats will go over the weir and fall down the drop – which is a lot of rubbish,” he said.

“Boats can’t even go over that part of the river as it’s about three inches deep – ducks and geese can stand in it. The only time a boat could go over was in times of flooding but then the navigation signs would be up telling boaters they shouldn’t be on the river. It is a startling, garish, green colour and doesn’t fit in at all. It is spoiling the view in what is a very nice location. I’m not sure how much it cost but the general consensus is that the money could have been better spent on dredging the river.”

Mr Heritage even thought the barrier could increase the risk of flooding by collecting debris that floats downstream.

The plans for the barrier were approved by Wychavon District Council last December after a three-week public consultation period, and Evesham Town Council backed the application.

Environment Agency spokeswoman Lyn Fraley, said: “The barrier has been put in place as part of the £330,000 Avon Boat Barrier Project, which has a completion date of the end of June. The project involves work on four sites with a fifth in the pipeline. The other projects include the installation of canoe ramps over the weir, a metal walkway over an existing weir barrier for workmen to use, which is necessary due to health and safety issues and floating booms with supporting posts.”