YOU have to look hard to realise there is another weir on the Teme, just below the restored Horseshoe Weir.

There is just a flurry of water by the lesser known Casemill Weir but, by this time next year, it should look very different.

Dave Riley, vice-chairman of the Teme Weirs Trust, hopes shortly to call for tenders for a £340,000 restoration, which will include a fishing area for disabled anglers at the bottom of Weeping Cross Lane.

He already has a £307,000 Lottery grant and is waiting to hear whether BIFFA will come up with a further £35,000.

The work will include a fish pass and should start next June. The aim is to finish in September, well in time for the annual surge of salmon on their way to breed in the upper reaches of the river.

Traces of timbers more than 400 years old have been found on the site, confirming the weir has existed since medieval times.

Most of the existing weir probably dates from the 19th century but it has been buffeted and damaged by fallen trees, traffic cones, old doors and even the gutted remains of a deer.

Another complication is that the old sluice gates have dippers nesting in the cavities which would be disturbed by the work. Fortunately, nature photographer Gareth Thomas is coming to their rescue with new nest boxes nearby.

South Shropshire District Council will shortly consider whether to grant planning permission.