Greta Scaffolding

[callwild]

This warning has come from Sean McGrath
A warning to anyone planning to run the Greta in the next few days
The scaffolding that was one of the old railway bridges is not on the bridge anymore. It may well be stuck in the river somewhere.
I am certainly not planning to paddle the Greta until I find out more and would suggest extreme care for anyone who does.

[Victor]

Paddled it this afternoon, Saturday. The level was high, not massive. The opposite bank at the getin showed about 4 feet of bare earth. The scaffolding at the railway bridge was well above our heads and there was no sign of the missing bits. It rained all afternoon and by the time we were leaving the river had risen two feet at the getin. Should still have been plenty of clearance at the scaffolded bridge. Would not like to have paddled it when in top spate as you'd be dodging the suspended bits.
Make sure you go into town from the west end if you plan to paddle to the bridge near the old pencil factory as the bridge is closed cos somebody saw "cracks". We didn't notice and as the pointing on the bridge looked intact but passing through town is impossible at the moment. There were police at the entrance to the town who were courteous and didn't stop us entering, just advised us it was unsafe to paddle because of unstable buildings and bridges. Only the new bridge in town is fully open. The footbridges are closed or restricted.

[paddy cave]

Also did the Greta on Friday morning and saw no sign of scaffolding, there did'nt seem to be any gone from the bridge either (saw properly when running back to get my car). Was a very tight squeeze under on way down though as the water levels were still well up (rather than 2 rivers above put in bridge there was one big one) was a brilliant big water run with big waves. seemed clear all the way down except for some debris in trees at sides, though could have been some stuff still under water??