THE traditional market town of Langport, in Somerset, has been given a new lease of life thanks to its revitalized riverside. The £300,000 Langport River Project has transformed 7.6 miles of river into a visitor destination, attracting about 250,000 people a year, helping new cafés, shops and services thrive.
Community Cocklemoor meadow and Huish Bridge now boast renewed pathways, pontoons, canoe steps, fishing platforms, picnic areas, a slipway, cycle hire, and a community boat, thanks to a partnership between Langport Town Council and the Inland Waterways Association.
Providing a lasting impact with smart solar lighting, e-bike charging, recycled materials and biodiversity monitoring, the project delivers sustainability as well as local pride – and there are plans for more paths, parking, and moorings.
Now, five years on from the initial completion of the Langport River Project, a film celebrating its success and created of local film-maker Gordon McKerrow has been released, featuring commentary from Val Saunders, former leader of Langport Town Council, and Ray Alexander, of the IWA’s West Country Branch.
While the project ensured that 7.6 miles of river are now navigable for trail boats and paddle craft, its focus was to create an attractive destination in the centre of town, between Bow Bridge and Huish Bridge. Cocklemoor lies at its heart, with activities including walking, paddleboarding, swimming, fishing, cycling and boat trips. About 250,000 people per year visit the riverside.
Town clerk Gerard Tucker said: “The Langport community expresses its gratitude to the IWA for its support in the delivery of its vision. We do not consider the regeneration of Langport to be complete, and the refurbishment of more paths, creation pf cycle paths and additional parking are on our list for one day! Perhaps even a mooring for our community boat, The Duchess of Cocklemoor, to make it easier for people to access and enjoy the river.”
The funding neared £300,000 10 years ago, sourced from a combination of European funds, local authorities, and the Canoe Foundation. The film can be watched here:
