Restoration of historic mill weir set to finish ahead of schedule

Work, which began on the site in the Peak District's Hope Valley in November last year, involved not only repairing the structure of the weir itself but also putting in a fish pass, creating new paths and improving access for disabled people. Once the project is completed next month – two months ahead of schedule – a project officer will be appointed. They will work for the Peak District National Park Authority and be responsible for organising educational trips and also overseeing the conservation of Calver Marshes.

Other environmental projects on the site will involve putting in new bird and bat boxes and signage.

Mike Hennessy, chairman of the Calver Weir Restoration Project, said: "Most of the restoration work on the weir structure will be finished in the next three to four weeks."

During the Industrial Revolution, the weir on the River Derwent held back water to power Calver Mill. Despite being repaired several times over the following two centuries, its condition deteriorated and local residents formed the Calver Mill Weir Liaison Group some years ago to save the structure.