Work begins for enhanced river park facilities in Over, Cambridgeshire

03/06/2020

Building work is under way to create enhanced river and park facilities for families, scouts, guides, canoeists, anglers, open swimmers, triathletes, and boaters in Over and beyond.

The Overcote riverside project is a step closer now that the first items of new slipway, gravel beach area and accessible paths are in place at the site, Chain Road, Over.
The project, which is being funded by a £23,500 grant from FCC Communities Foundation, will provide safer features of bespoke slipway, canoe & kayak river access and accessible path to river viewing & fishing platforms. Cllr. Adrian Tranter of Over Parish Council is excited that the project is starting to take shape.

He says: ‘It’s great to see our vision for this vital community facility moving closer to reality. We are extremely grateful for the funding FCC Communities Foundation has given us and we’re looking forward to opening to the public’.

Cllr. Adrian Tranter hopes the river and park enhancements will be completed in July with a formal opening and celebration on Summer Bank Holiday, Monday 31st August 2020. The new slipway will replace a broken one with the addition of a gravel beach area and strengthened river bank, both to allow much easier and safer access to the River Great Ouse for the many clubs, groups and families that enjoy the area. New accessible paths to fishing platforms will greatly benefit anglers and those who enjoy observing wildlife and river activities. The Parish Council, which owns the land, is delighted that the new facilities will greatly encourage more and wider uses of the river and park, for social activities, development of skills and competitions. Overcote is part of the River Great Ouse, Fen Drayton and Ouse Fen nature park and the proposed Fens (UNESCO) Biosphere.