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News & Media > Waterways Services

27:01:2010

'Credit where credit's due', say local residents

May Gurney’s work at Purton weir, carried out on behalf of British Waterways, has come in for praise from the local residents group ‘Friends of Purton’.

Purton is a small hamlet in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire and Paul Barnett, chairman of Friends of Purton, said in an open letter to British Waterways: “I commend the fine work of your contractors (May Gurney) who have been engaged in the recent uncovering and consolidation of the weir at Purton.

“I had cause on several occasions to attend the site when I found the entire work party to be polite, professional and keen to leave a feature that compliments rather than detracts from the overall aesthetics of the region.

“This task was conducted during some of the worst weather that the site has experienced, resulting in the formation of a large muddy swamp that left me wondering how it would be effectively reinstated.

”My recent visit has completely exonerated the team and I remain amazed at how well the site has been recovered. I look forward to the new spring growth at which time I am confident all traces of man's presence will be removed.

“Would you be so kind as to pass my thanks on to all concerned for a job well done.”

Click here to read the full Friends of Purton open letter.

Footnote: In April 2009 May Gurney commenced work under a long-term framework contract with British Waterways for the maintenance and improvement of its canals and rivers. The four-year contract, with a possible two-year extension, is estimated to be worth around £20m per annum and includes a range of maintenance and improvement activities across approximately 80 to 150 projects each year.

Click here to read more about May Gurney's work in partnership with British Waterways.