Market Drayton event postponed

The duck derby and picnic event due to be held at Market Drayton Picnic Area on Sunday 31 July has been postponed.

Low water levels and increased weed in the water, which is good for wildlife, mean that conditions just aren’t suitable for a plastic duck race at the picnic area.

Shropshire Council’s conservation officer, Clive Dean, explains…

“The exceptionally low rainfall has led to water levels being very low.  This, combined with an exceptionally good growth of the water weed present in the river (mainly watercrowfoot which is very good for wildlife) has filled the river with vegetation.  Consequently the chances of a plastic duck being able to flow from one end of the course to the other are negligible.

“In addition to this, the replacement of the footbridge on the site, planned for this month, has been delayed.  The footbridge is unlikely to be completed in time for the event or may well be in the process of being built, either of which would be very disruptive to the successful running of the event.  We will try to reschedule the duck race for May or June of next year.”

For more information contact Clive on 01743 255909 or email clive.dean@shropshire.gov.uk