The budget for a programme of works to dredge Gloucester Docks has been doubled by the Canal & River Trust in response to concerns from businesses, boaters and local residents about a huge build up of silt.
The charity, which is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the docks, is investing an additional £2 million on works to clear the build up – bringing the total budget to £4 million – which it says has been caused by 'exceptional' weather conditions this summer.
It comes after barges have become stuck in the Docks in September 2026 because of the silt, with levels even as high as the water in places, and before a six-month 'programme of celebrations' is planned to mark the 200th anniversary of Gloucester Docks, scheduled to begin in the spring of 2027.
The trust says prolonged dry weather, low river flows and high tides have contributed to increased silt being carried into the Docks from the River Severn.
Commencing on Monday 5 October 2026, it says the enhanced works will increase navigation depths, support boaters and waterside businesses and help 'safeguard' Gloucester Docks' role as one of the region's most important leisure, tourism and heritage destinations.
The trust is also exploring further measures that could be taken to reduce future silt coming in from the River Severn, to improve the Docks' long-term resilience.
It adds that securing additional funding for 'a project of this scale' has been challenging, but believes the investment is 'essential given the importance of the Docks to the city and region'.
Ben Cottam, regional director for Wales & South West at Canal & River Trust, said: 'As a charity, we don't have spare funds sitting on the shelf for challenges like this.
'Delivering this additional investment will require us to identify funding from within our wider programme, reflecting the importance of Gloucester Docks to local people, businesses and boaters and our determination to address the issue.
'This programme will help restore operational depths across the Docks, but we also need to focus on the future. Alongside dredging, we'll be investing in measures to try to reduce the amount of silt entering the Docks from the River Severn.
'Beyond this we will look to engage with partners across local government, community, business and commercial partners as part of an exercise to identify future priorities for the Docks and Canal, which will help inform investment decisions in coming years.
'As Gloucester Docks celebrates its bicentenary, we want local communities and businesses to know that we remain committed to doing all we can.'
