An Appeal for Studley Grange, and small steps elsewhere

Last week, Ken referred to progress inching forward on the Studley Grange project.  Well, that progress continues.  At the Trust Finance Committee meeting, it was formally decided to award the contract to Land and Water Services Ltd, who put in the lowest price tender, but also showed a real understanding of our needs.  While the whole project is time-critical, they have identified some preliminary tasks which must be carried out very soon indeed. These tasks include site clearance, (which is imperative now as there are not likely to be nesting birds -but as always due diligence will be take place before work commences), soil sampling, final agreement of a Method Statement with Biffa, and a drainage consent.  The overall contract has been awarded subject to funding being available, and Kath Hatton has been working very hard at securing that. The preliminary works are even more urgent; Kath has secured some funding from the Underwood Trust but it cannot be paid over until matched funding has been found. The total cost of these works is £50,000 so we are launching an appeal to raise £25,000. This project will open up 1.25Km of derelict canal alongside a landfill site that had no public access and turn it into a wildlife trail with multi user access 24/7 and restored length of the Wilts & Berks.  You will shortly find full details of how to contribute in On the Button and on our website.  This is very urgent; if we do not take this opportunity, it will not come again, so please help us if you can.

Elsewhere, a number of us from the Land Team, and including Bob Airey from East Vale branch, had a useful meeting with the land agent acting for the owner of a significant piece of land near Challow.  We all found the meeting very encouraging; however it will take some time to get the agreement of the owners to a deal, so we will have to be patient for the moment.

Meanwhile of course works continues on a number of other projects.  Lots of small steps on the Melksham Link, with landowners, local authorities, our consultants who are working on the Masterplan, yet more presentations to keep everyone informed.  Too many to mention, but all important.

The situation with the major development to the east of Swindon, known as Eastern Villages, continues to evolve.  We are working hard to develop the necessary contacts and relationships with other parties involved, including Swindon Borough Council planners, and potential developers.  We see this as very important if we are to preserve our main line in this area, but we will need to keep very close to it all, and make sure we have the best possible working relationship and dialogue with all parties in what is an evolving and complex picture.

Chris Coyle