Proposed plans for Wadebridge recreational watersports centre

Ambitious plans have been revealed that will try to create a recreational watersports centre on the River Camel in Wadebridge.

The Cornish Guardian reported this week that the ideas have been generated by the chairman of the Wadebridge Town Forum, Edward Fishlock, who is a keen rower.

In a bid to stop the Bradford's Quay area being overrun by residential developments he would like to secure land to create something for watersports enthusiasts and local youth groups.

The forum members are supporting the idea and have already sent letters to many of the river users including the town's Sea Scouts and Padstow Harbour Commissioners.

Mr Fishlock said: "Wadebridge Town Forum would like to ensure that future development along the Bradford's and Trevilling Quay bank of the Camel includes facilities for local residents and, possibly, visitors to enjoy recreational use of the river.

"We believe this will be beneficial to the quality of life and the economy of the town and surrounding area, as wellas to any future development along the riverbank."

The forum says it will act as a catalyst to try to get interested parties together to discuss ideas and the practicalities of such a development.

The centre could include a function room, bar, first aid room, kitchen, changing room, showers and storage for boats and equipment. It would also need parking for trailers and vehicles and appropriate jetties, slipways and pontoons to maximise safe access to the water.

They hope it would be used by the Sea Scouts, Wadebridge Canoe Club, visiting boat owners and tourists wishing to hire crafts.

Mr Fishlock says that the project is in the very early stages. "Obviously something like this would not be cheap so we would have to try to secure land and try and obtain grant funding. Such a development would require considerable investment, and a feasibility study would need to be undertaken. However, even before investing in this we would need to make thorough enquiries as to whether the nature of the River Camel, and in particular its tides, make it suitable for the above activities on a viable scale. I propose to contact British Rowing, formerly the Amateur Rowing Association, to ask if they have expertise in this field, and would be prepared to look at Wadebridge's suitability as a venue for rowing."

Anyone who is interested in being part of the project or who may have ideas is asked to contact Mr Fishlock either by e-mail at efishlock@btconnect.com or ring 07841 526665.