Fallen tree blocking river use

A poplar tree that fell across the river from the Valley during the week is causing a backup of debris and difficulties for canoeing, writes Brian Byrne.

Attempts will be made in the coming week to cut it up and clear it.

The tree is part of one which sprouted into two from the one root at an early stage, and split away under weight and wind.

A number of the poplars, planted as part of the original landscaping of the Valley in 1978, were removed for safety and visual reasons in 2014.

Today they would be considered inappropriate for the location and at some future stage it may be deemed better to take them all down and reopen the view of the river right along the Valley Park.