The Broads can do it

Published: Thursday, 21 January 2010

THE Broads Authority have no trouble meeting its target for dredging its waterways, even exceeding it.

For the second year running, Alan Tilbury tells us the authority has excavated 50,000m³ of mud—over 10% more than its target.

Malthouse Broad  and Ranworth Dam were dredged for the first time since 1963, improving one of the most popular boating areas on the Broads, with Malthouse Broad (pictured) dredged a year early, and remarking its owner, Charles Cator:

"You could see mud at low water in the 60's, so I think we are keeping on top of the dredging quite well now. I always enjoy working with the dredging team. They're a good bunch and very knowledgeable too."

Depth has been improved to 1.8 metres at low water bringing the broad back to its required specification, except at private moorings where shallower depths can be expected.

In 2008 the Broads Authority took its dredging operation, previously contracted out to May Gurney, in house, whilst British Waterways have done the opposite.