Broads Authority hopes to develop Acle Bridge site to benefit all
A sign advertising the moorings at Acle Bridge. Picture: Broads Authority - Credit: Archant
Work at restoring the Acle Bridge moorings site is progressing well, the Broads Authority has said.
Director of operations Rob Rogers said since purchasing the site, which is located on the northern bank of the river near the bridge, the authority had brought the moorings up to a serviceable and usable condition to provide free 24 hour moorings.
He said: 'We have filled in pot holes, repaired capping on the piling and installed safety equipment including throw lines.
'This has all been very well received by people using the site.'
Acle Bridge has long been a popular location for boaters on the River Bure with local pubs and restaurants nearby as well as road and footpath links into the village of Acle.
Mr Rogers said it was also a natural turning point for vessels on the Northern Broads, or a mooring area for those on the final leg of the journey to Breydon Water and Great Yarmouth.
'The site of the Acle bridge moorings was purchased by the Broads Authority on August 4,' he said.
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'It includes 620 meters of river frontage of which 200 metres is piled.
'There are also various small buildings that include the old timber, thatched café and shop and disused public toilets.'
Mr Rogers said the authority was also looking to provide an area for the de-masting of sailing boats to pass under the bridge.
'The site has further potential to provide additional facilities such as waste disposal, pump-out of chemical toilets, car parking and possibly a slipway,' he said.
'The buildings on the site are in a neglected state and we are currently commissioning surveys before deciding what to do with them.
'We are keen to work with the local district and parish councils so the enhanced facilities for visitors lead to benefits for local businesses and residents.'
Many boaters mooring at the site make use of a popular walk which explores the countryside around Acle Bridge and a stretch of the River Bure.
When walking this and the river section, keep a keen eye out for wildlife as Otters have been seen swimming in this part of the Bure and other waterfowl will also be about such as Grey Herons, Mallards and Swans.
In the reeds along the river you may also be lucky enough to see Reed Warblers, Sedge Warblers and Reed buntings.