THE West Country Branch of the Inland Waterways Association has won this years ‘Branch Achievement’ award and held an event at Bridgwater Docks last week to receive a trophy, honour their volunteers and promote their ongoing work.

Mayor of Bridgwater Councillor Graham Granter thanked the group them for their contribution to the town and other councillors turned up to discuss mutual interests.

The IWA West Country Branch has worked with Bridgwater Town Council towards their aim of enhancing the navigation on the River Parrett, to regenerate the former docks and also on the tidal barrier campaign.

Mike Slade has organised teams of volunteers to tidy up the canal and docks areas. He has also taken people on tours where suggestions for improvements have been made, from the upgrade of an old crane to the opening of the barge lock.

His volunteers work hard in a number of areas and paint railings, litter pick and promote the waterways. Patsy Robinson has organised three docks galas in Bridgwater urging people to make use of the heritage site. She has also led the campaign to restore the Bridgwater Buoy.