A GROUP whose aim is to look after the River Wear and all its tributaries has been given a vote of confidence by a water chief.

Jerry Gallop, the national manager for the DEFRA Catchment Restoration Fund at the Environment Agency said he was very impressed with the work being done by the Wear Rivers Trust, who have been appointed the official custodians of the River Wear catchment, which includes all the waterways that flow into the river.

The trust is now working on a three year project to remove a number of barriers restricting fish movement throughout the River Deerness sub-catchment which will help to increase fish populations and benefit the wider environment.

Durham University have surveyed baseline fish populations and will measure improvements.

During his visit Mr Gallop was able to see some of the improvements that have been delivered on the River Deerness during the last 12 months and discuss the planned activity for the next year.

He said “The trust is looking at the whole picture along the river which is exactly what the catchment restoration fund and catchment based approach is looking for.

“The genuine desire to get the environmental outcomes is more than apparent.”

Partner organisations include the Environment Agency, Durham County Council, Northumbrian Water, Ground Work North East, Durham Wildlife Trust, Durham University, North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and Natural England.

The trust will hold an open day starting at Ushaw Moor Bridge at 10am on Saturday, October 26, followed by another information event at Lion Mouth Rural Centre in Esh Winning at noon.