Environment Agency plans to install safety barriers at six locations on the River Avon have come under fire from canoe club officials.

Experts from the Wychavon Kayak and Canoe Club have urged everyone opposed to the move to register their objections with Wychavon District Council or Stratford District Council.

The club has lodged formal objections to all six planning applications for the barriers which are aimed at preventing boats going over weirs on the river.

Urging others to join their protest, canoe club chairman Adam Hall, a British Canoe Union coach, said: "Safety is our primary concern.

"Although these structures may be considered to make things safer for powered craft, they are undoubtedly an additional hazard to canoeists.

"This is especially true at higher river levels when there is a significant risk of entrapment against the barrier.

"We feel a better way to improve safety for canoeists is to improve canoe launch points above and below the weir allowing simpler portages for high flow conditions, less experienced canoeists or those with canoes and kayaks unsuitable for shooting the weirs."

Mr Hall also claimed the new barriers would prevent or at least hamper access to safe and enjoyable weirs used for training in white water canoeing.

The coach also thought the proposed barriers "would distract from the fantastic settings each site affords and diminish our club members' enjoyment of them".

The club is the latest in a series of objectors including the owners of Cropthorne Mill.

Roger Nunn, a flood defence engineer with the Environment Agency, said: "We will be considering comments before a decision is reached."