THE transformation of Diglis Weir caused controversy and concern but now it is ready to deliver fresh hope of reviving a species of rare fish.

Residents were worried when the Unlocking The Severn project was given the go-ahead to embark on creating the biggest fish pass in England and Wales back in May 2018.

Diglis hosts the biggest fish pass in England and Wales at 100 metres long, eight metres wide and five metres deep.

Construction traffic was cited as a concern for residents, particularly after nearby Severn Trent would not grant access for vehicles via its sewage plant.

It meant up to up 12 truck journeys a day had to be made for nine months down Kingfisher path which runs from Bromwich Road to the river and Councillors Adrian Gregson and Pat Agar were critical of Severn Trent for not being “more flexible” in allowing construction traffic to use its site.

But the work has finally come to fruition with a call going out this week for citizen scientists to join overnight observations of the endangered twaite shad – traditionally known as the May fish because of the timing of its migration on to the river from the sea to spawn – which will now be able to migrate from there again 170 years after industrialisation scythed through its population.

The shad could no longer reach their natural spawning grounds in the upper reaches of the river and were unable to travel beyond Worcester.

The fish passes, which allow the shad to swim upriver of the city once again, will also help other species such as salmon, lamprey and eels.