Monday, 26 January 2015

The Wilts & Berks in Melksham & Swindon and other waterways


Melksham has been the centre of much of my work  for the last week. Having met recently with the planning officer dealing with the Melksham Link  planning application, project manager Paul Lenaerts is completing the  work programme to assist  the consultants  (Nicholas Pearson Associates) to complete the Environment Statement.  This will include the results of an archaeological survey that is  being carried out.  A provisional timetable for the planning application has further consultation in March/April with a decision in June. I n the wider context of the Melksham Link much work  is also going on with adjacent landowners to put together a MasterPlan that  will deliver funding for the project  by creating enabling development. The broad concepts of the proposals are being discussed with landowners and the local community via the Neighbourhood Plan process of Melksham Town and Melksham Without Parish Councils. I am delighted to welcome Bill Gush from Land & Water who has  started a 3 month secondment  to the Melksham Link project team

On Tuesday night WBCT Council of Management meet at the new venue of the Peterborough Arms.

Also planned for this week are meetings about Wichelstowe in Swindon when it is hoped some progress can be made to work on the Wichelstowe Link project.

As part of my role for Wiltshire Council I attend meetings of the Cotswold Canals Partnership. It was interesting to hear from their project  team last week how they are progressing towards completion of their Phase 1A (HLF) restoration and plans for funding Pause 1b which will link this to the national network.

Finally you might like to have a look at a relatively local  Canal & River Trust open day at Aldermaston on Jan 31.  This is part of a national programme to show how CRT maintain their historic structures https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/winter-open-days-201415/aldermaston-open-days

Ken Oliver

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