As you all know we have been talking about re-instating the
1.2km stretch of canal at Studley Grange for some years but it was only last
year that we managed to complete the environmental impact study around the
adjacent landfill site, and also conclude our discussions with BIFFA who own
the route and who have been most supportive. BIFFA have agreed to lease the
canal route to the Trust at a token rent for the foreseeable future.
The subsequent construction tendering process resulted in
Land and Water Services (LAWS) starting work in June, with a completion date of 9th
November 2015. Despite ecology studies
and a pre-commencement walk over the site
the unexpected discovery of a Great Crested Newt resulted in the
requirement for further ecologist input and investigation prior to undertaking
site clearance and excavation.
LAWS were back at work in July but since then two additional issues have emerged:
First, land slippage may require an element of re-design following discussions between WYG and Land and Water. Second, LAWS have determined that the site conditions have had an impact on the construction process and they have therefore taken the decision to postpone further works until the winter weather has passed.
We are all disappointed that this work could not be completed this year but you will see what looks like a completed canal . Unfortunately as the towpath works have yet to be completed it is not yet possible to access this section of canal.
Next year: So the new stretch is not going to be completed until sometime in the New Year. I know everyone will find this frustrating but we are hoping that work will re-commence in April/May, the exact date dependent on how wet this winter is. The towpath surfacing will be one of the first jobs and that will allow the planting of the banks, marginal areas and hedgerow infilling to be done. Kate Jones, our project leader for the Wildlife Trail, is organising some brilliant interpretation boards and leaflets with local students doing a lot of the illustrations.
LAWS were back at work in July but since then two additional issues have emerged:
First, land slippage may require an element of re-design following discussions between WYG and Land and Water. Second, LAWS have determined that the site conditions have had an impact on the construction process and they have therefore taken the decision to postpone further works until the winter weather has passed.
We are all disappointed that this work could not be completed this year but you will see what looks like a completed canal . Unfortunately as the towpath works have yet to be completed it is not yet possible to access this section of canal.
Next year: So the new stretch is not going to be completed until sometime in the New Year. I know everyone will find this frustrating but we are hoping that work will re-commence in April/May, the exact date dependent on how wet this winter is. The towpath surfacing will be one of the first jobs and that will allow the planting of the banks, marginal areas and hedgerow infilling to be done. Kate Jones, our project leader for the Wildlife Trail, is organising some brilliant interpretation boards and leaflets with local students doing a lot of the illustrations.
Elsewhere on the canal I hear the Santa trips on
Dragonfly are going really well and are fully booked now. 329 children will have travelled to find
Santa and there is a rumour that he may appear at the Waitrose store at
Wichelstowe this coming Saturday to switch on the Christmas lights at about
4pm. Swindon branch will have a stand there and you could sign up to join the
Trust or support us by buying some Christmas cards or a calendar.
Kath Hatton
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