In March 2002 a lengthy feasibility study was put out for public consultation for the future management of the river.
A number of possible actions were canvassed.
(a) Minimum Action - to keep the river basically as it is today. Cost £35,000
(b) Light Craft Improvement - as above but with the addition of light craft. Cost £213,000
(c) Partial Restoration - Providing navigation with new, existing and restored locks. Cost £2,997.000
(d) Full restoration - Provide navigation the whole lenght for craft no larger than those who originally used it. Cost £9,359,000
(e) Restoration to the sea - as in (d) but with a new lock at Cattawade. Cost £12,624,000.
On the 15th February 2003 the Environment Agency opted to support (b) with a further study into the use of steam and electric powered craft
The River Stour Trust completed one of the first Millennium Lottery funded projects in the country, the construction of a new lock at Great Cornard.
There are now regular electric boat trips from the Trust’s headquarters at the Granary in the Quay Basin Sudbury through the lock to Henny, and also between Flatford and Dedham further downstream.
