A COMMUNITY stalwart has stepped down after leading a conservation group for 15 years.

Peter Tarrant, has retired his position as chairman of the River Wey Society after 15 years at the helm.

At the March AGM, he thanked all the supporters and river watch officers for all their hard work and handed over to Robert Turner.

Started in 1988, Mr Tarrant said the River Wey Society aimed to protect the river and its unique wildlife as over abstraction of the river was causing it to dry out, leading to the death of fish stocks.

When Mr Tarrant took over in 2000 he said he looked at the structure and helped to restructure it to represent the entire River Wey community, putting in place river watch officers.

These officers report on their section of the river, helping to keep it clean and flowing well.

In cases of emergency, when the Environment Agency issues flood warnings or alerts, the river watch officers then pass the information down to the residents.

Mr Tarrant said they had a very good rapport with the Environment Agency, who were so impressed with the society’s system that they adopted the system of river watch officers throughout the county, through the parish councils.

He said the society was very well respected. Mr Tarrant added that it was a good time to step down as the society was in good shape and had a good team behind it. He will be continuing with the group as their publicity officer. 

The River Wey was a ‘wonderful place,’ Mr Tarrant added, with otters and kingfishers and a host of wildlife being supported by its waters. He said: “To be honest I think the River Wey is one of Weymouth’s most valuable assets.” 

He thanked vice chairman Nigel Fraser, secretary Carolyn White, treasurer Yvonne Sale, the river watch officers; Richard Willett, Robert Turner, Terry Gant and Sean Cooper.

Mr Tarrant added: “Finally, I wish to thank all members for their support which enables the society to continue its good work in protecting what I believe is Weymouth’s most valuable asset - the River Wey.

“After 15 years, I have decided to step down as chairman. The society is in good hands and is a well-respected and an influential pressure group. With the support of its members the society will continue to be so.”