A WEIR on the Rover Teme at Powick is set to be partially removed to improve the environment for fish.

The Environment Agency is proposing to carry out the work as part of a major project to increase fish populations in the Severn and the Teme.

The project, dubbed Unlocking the Severn, is set to carry out work at a number of key sites on both rivers, including Powick weir, to reopen 250km of river habitat for all fish species and secure the UK breeding population of the rare twaite shad.

The work means that fish will be able to migrate upstream to their historic breeding grounds.

And the agency is holding a public drop-in session to tell people about the project and the proposed changes to Powick weir.

The session is on Monday, September 18, from 2pm to 6.30pm at Callow End Village Hall, Upton Road

Callow End.

As owners of Powick weir, the Environment Agency investigated options which would maintain and improve fish stocks in the Teme.

When assessing options to improve fish passage, each weir is considered carefully from environmental, navigational, operational and flood risk perspectives.

The Environment Agency has fully considered the options available for fish passage and is confident that partial weir removal is the best solution.

David Clarke, project executive from the agency, said: "Weirs are physical barriers to fish migration and great progress has been made in enabling fish to access the upper reaches of rivers again in recent years.

"Over the last year we have carried out detailed assessments, habitat and aerial surveys, and modelling work to plan the best solution for the Powick weir site, for improved fish passage and to assist the natural recovery of the river.

"The upcoming drop-in event is an opportunity to provide an update to interested parties on our plans, ahead of work starting in June 2018."

There will be information displays and representatives from the Environment Agency available at the session to answer questions and to discuss the scheme in greater detail.