Frequently Asked Questions

Who is behind this scheme?

The project is a collaboration between Avon Navigation Trust and Evesham Town Council. See the About Us page for more details.

How much will it cost?

The total project cost is estimated at around £160,000.

Where is the money coming from?

ANT has earmarked £40,000 towards the scheme. We aim to meet the remainder from grant funding, of which the Community Legacy Grant from Wychavon District Council is the largest part.

Will there be any further requirement for financial support from the council once the initial work is complete?

No. ANT owns the freehold in the land, so there will be no additional rental costs. Ongoing maintenance and management of the facilities will be met from ANT’s normal operating budget. As with many of ANT’s activities, much of the ongoing work will be done by volunteers who have a passion for the river and its environment.

Doesn’t the Lock Island flood?

Yes, the entire site is within the flood zone! But then, so are most of the facilities owned or administered by ANT. So this is something we are very used to dealing with. All of the Lock Island facilities will be flood-resilient and designed to cope with being submerged without suffering damage or disrupting the flow of floodwater.

When will the project be complete?

Assuming that the majority of the funding is in place, we will be able to start work this year. The target is to have the work complete on the Lock House training centre and the boat hire facilities available in time for the summer season next year (2022).

What sort of activities will be available?

We will be able to offer indoor and outdoor training for a wide range of water-related activities, including kayaking and paddleboarding, training for volunteers to help on and around the river, and training for boat owners who want to improve their skills.

What boats will you have available to hire?

That will depend very much on demand, but we expect kayaks, rowing boats and paddleboards to be available from the start with other forms of craft possibly being added later.

Will your facilities be accessible to those with disabilities?

The Lock Island is level with the access road and we intend to construct paths and walkways that will be suitable for wheelchairs and buggies. We have space on site to provide parking for Blue Badge holders. Part of the work that will be done to the Lock House is to add ramps alongside the existing steps so that it is accessible to wheeled users.

Obviously, waterborne activities in general can be challenging for those with mobility difficulties, but we aim to ensure that we have facilities available that will make the river as acessible to as many people as possible.

Can I get involved in the project?

Yes! We welcome volunteers for all stages of the project. Please complete the form on our Get Involved Page to let us know that you want to help out. Or, if you prefer, get in touch via the details on our Contact Page.

Is there a way to submit comments on the project without using the survey page?

Yes, we welcome comments in any form. You can send them via email to ‘[email protected]’ and we’ll collate them along with survey submissions. (Please don’t use this address for questions that need a reply, for that please get in touch directly with our lead organisations via the links on our Contact Page).

Or, if you prefer, you can write to us at: