VILLAGERS battling a £2.4m project to replace a historic Oxfordshire weir have won a last-ditch reprieve.

Work was due to start this month to replace Appleton’s 104-year-old weir at Northmoor lock with an automated version, but it has been postponed for at least a year.

The weir is one of two paddle and rymers in the county and one of only three full span paddle and rymer weirs in Europe.

A paddle and rymer weir consists of large wooden posts (rymers), which are thrust into a slot at the bottom of the river.

Paddles of different lengths are then placed against the rymers to hold back water.

Environment Agency officials claimed the weir was unsafe during heavy flooding but agreed to look at alternative ideas.

The project was due to be carried out over the next two summers and would have involved parking restrictions in the village.

Members of the Weir Action Group, a pressure group against the development, claimed the move as a partial victory and are keen to get the postponement made permanent.

Chairman Carol Bateman said: “We are delighted with the Environment Agency’s decision.

“We’re very concerned with various issues related with this project, which include the loss of this historic site and two years of works and heavy traffic through the village.

“We look forward to working with the agency to achieve the best possible solutions.”

Fellow group member Sarah Withers added: “We felt everything was being rushed upon us so we’re very pleased the Environment Agency have understood the feelings of the community.

“Our concerns were that so much money was being spent on something we felt was unnecessary and also the disturbance on our small roads caused by huge construction vehicles.”

There are currently eight paddle and rymer weirs along the Thames and 26 lock keepers in Oxfordshire, one of which works at Northmoor lock.

Simon Hughes, Environment Agency area manager for the Thames region, said: “The Environment Agency respects the concerns of the community and we are eager to engage in proper consultation to ensure the best solution is found.”

Over the coming weeks the pressure group will consult with the agency on alternative proposals.

bellery@oxfordmail.co.uk