Consultation over canal

THERE is to be a public consultation over plans to restore the Wilts & Berks Canal where it joins the Kennet & Avon Canal at Semington.

The residents in Melksham are to be consulted in May on the £10 millions plan to create a new two and a quarter miles link to restore the waterway, Alan Tilbury reveals.

Funding to be secured

A partnership is hoping to get permission for the project but must first consult residents as well as holding discussions with landowners.  Funding will also have to be secured and an environmental survey carried out before a planning application can be entered.

A cycling route and a park with a café and wheelchair access is also included in the plans.

£20 millions extra business

British Waterways were quoted that in 2006 it found that an estimated £20 millions of extra business has been brought into Wiltshire following improvements to the canal network.

However the plans received a mixed reaction from Melksham Town councillors, with it not being considered realistic according to councillor Sarah Cardy, who added  that she walked the canal all the time and apart from Bradford on Avon it has not brought massive job creation.

There will be open days and presentations, with displays shown  at Melksham Town Hall, Melksham Library and Berryfield Village Hall from 3rd May.