Despite a few hitches during the period work was being carried out, the new canoe launches in Ross and at Kerne Bridge were officially opened last week.

The Mayor of Ross, Councillor David Ravenscroft, alongside the Leader of Herefordshire Council, John Jarvis, cut a ribbon held between two oars to mark the occasion. Councillor Ravenscroft described the new, improved access facility as a great asset to Ross.

Councillor Jarvis also suggested that the new Visit Herefordshire marque could be easily adapted to be used by canoe companies. He said:?"Canoe Herefordshire would be a great slogan for any new material designed to encourage the number of canoeists visiting the area to canoe on the River Wye."

The launches had been improved by the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in partnership with the Environment Agency and Herefordshire Council and there were representatives of all these groups as well as canoeists, canoe hire companies and even Canoe England. The work means that launches can now be more easily used by people with disabilities.

Dane Broomfield the Lower Wye and Herefordshire Land and Water Team Leader from the Environment Agency said:?"We are delighted that in line with our vision for navigation on the Wye, improved canoe access is being delivered by partner projects like this one.

"Working with these partners has been very rewarding.  We hope these facilities will give the opportunity for a broader cross-section of people the chance to enjoy the river and local environment."

Although the canoe launches aren't fully Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) compliant they will allow more people with disabilities to get to the water and offer a safe and robust area for all who wish to savour the delights of canoeing this stretch of the River Wye.

Andrew Nixon Development Officer with the Wye Valley AONB added:?"This project has only been possible thanks to the many different partners. The Environment Agency, Herefordshrie Council, Canoe England, local Canoe Hire Operators as well as many others have all contributed to make this a major success."

The launches have already caused great interest from other local authorities and government bodies who manage similar river areas and from canoeists' associations.

Chris Hawkesworth, the Planning and Facilities Manager for Canoe England praised the new launches:?"These new innovative access facilties on the Wye are the first anywhere in the country whereby disabled and able canoeists can take their craft to the water's edge."

The Wye Valley AONB has also been working in close partnership with the Environment Agency, Herefordshire Council and canoe hire operators to improve the information that is available for canoeists. Recent publications include the Canoeists Code of Conduct leaflet which aims to reduce the impact that canoeing has on the river environment and other river users.

A new guide book to the Wye Valley called Perfect Paddling has also been produced. This booklet is waterproof so that it can be placed in every hire canoe. It provides useful navigation information as well as interpretation of the landscape, wildlife and heritage features that canoeists will pass on their journey.

As part of the major face-lift new interpretation boards have also been installed at the canoe launches detailing information about the sites.