A POPULAR rowing event in Evesham has been cancelled due to the replacement work on the Abbey Bridge.

Evesham Rowing Club have been forced to cancel the Junior Head of the River, due to take place on Saturday, October 19, after being told by the bridge contractor, Hochtief, that it is unable to stop work on the bridge to allow the event to run safely.

John Lomas, club chairman, said: “Over recent weeks we have been in discussions with the contractor and county council representatives to see if there was any way round the situation. Unfortunately, there is not. It’s a truly regretful situation and we can only apologise for the short notice given to competitors.

“We will of course be reimbursing all competitors who have already paid their entry fee and have further advised British Rowing that the event is cancelled.

“We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused to those involved, not just the competitors, but to those club members who have given freely of their time to help organise this prestigious event.”

Next year’s Junior Head of the River event will take place on October 18.