Storm Ciaran threat sees attempts to raise River Avon gate

The Environment Agency announced on Thursday, October 26, that the sluice gate near Gladstone Road in Chippenham, on the River Avon, had become stuck partly open.

This caused water levels to drop upstream of the gates and by Saturday, October 28, the riverbanks had become increasingly exposed, limiting recreational use of the waterway.

The stuck gate at Chippenham (Image: Environment Agency)

Now the agency is working to ensure the seized gate is lifted on Tuesday, October 31, before Storm Ciaran hits the town.

Teams arrived on site on Tuesday morning with specialist equipment.

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: “Staff are on site today at Chippenham Gate on the River Avon setting up equipment, and expect to attempt to lift the seized gate later today ahead of the arrival of Storm Ciaran.”

Flooding near Chippenham High Street (Image: Environment Agency)

This comes after heavy rain over the weekend saw river levels rise, with flood water overflowing onto the pathway near the High Street.

Field teams have been on site at multiple points since the gates first became stuck and have been monitoring the environmental impacts and flood risk caused by the issue.

The Environment Agency were contacted for further comment.