The River Weaver is a navigable river which, on its lower course, flows in counterclockwise curves through western Cheshire in northern England.
Description of the Weaver River
Alterations to the River Weaver to make it navigable were authorised in 1720, and work involving eleven locks was completed in 1732. An unusual clause in the Act authorising the works stipulated that profits should be paid to the County of Cheshire for the improvement of roads and bridges, but the navigation was not initially profitable and the first payments were not made until 1775. The trade continued to grow and by 1845 over £500,000 had been granted to the county.
History
The River Weaver flows through the salt-producing area of Cheshire. The river is deep enough for ships to reach the salt mines. It was tidal for about 7 miles (11 km) to Pickering’s Wharf, and salt from the mines was hauled by horse-drawn wagons to the wharf where it was loaded into barges. These took it back down the river at low tide. In the early 17th century coal began to be brought into the area and used to evaporate the brine. With the development of industry, there were demands to modify the River Weaver to facilitate this trade. However, the original plans were opposed by landowners who feared flooding and shippers who feared loss of trade. Bills presented to Parliament in 1711, 1715, 1718 and 1720 were rejected.
Water quality
The Environment Agency assesses the water quality of river systems in England. Each is assigned an overall ecological status. Ecological status has five levels: high, good, moderate, poor and bad. Several components are used to determine this status, including biological status, which looks at the amount and types of invertebrates, lampreys and fish. Chemical status, which compares concentrations of various chemicals to known safe concentrations, is rated as good or poor.
