Green algae has been harming wildlife along the waterway
Work to desilt the New River Loop in Enfield Town will being on Monday (26th), Enfield Council has confirmed.
The New River has suffered from persistent algal blooms that makes the water look green and blocks sunlight underneath, killing wildlife.
A new management plan, although not yet published, has been drawn up by the council with the aim of solving some of the long-running issues with the historic waterway, which some residents say is detracting from the attractiveness of the town centre.
A council spokesperson said: “Work to desilt a section of the New River Loop, from the Crown & Horseshoes pub to Church Street, will begin on Monday 26th September and will last for approximately three to four weeks.
“The maintenance will involve pumping water out of the channel to enable the desilting works to take place. These works have to be carried out periodically, as silt naturally accumulates over time and causes a steady deterioration in the environmental quality of the water body, making algal growth more common, which reduces water quality and the depth and quantity.
“There will be a number of parking restrictions and footpath closures during this time. We apologise for any inconvenience these works may cause.”
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