Wilts & Berks restoration progressing

THE RESTORATION of the Wilts & Berks Canal is progressing with another 500 metres of waterway being added.

This is at Wichelstowe as part of Wilts & Berks Canal Trust's plans to restore the canal through the town, Janet Friend reports.

The work on the extension started in May of last year with the first section watered in December as the work on the bank protection and landscaping continued.

Waterproof lining

A waterproof lining of puddled clay was laid, to ensure that the canal is watertight, with most of the clay coming from the surrounding area.

Work is being undertaken to complete the remaining lining and the surface of the towpath together with the landscaping with plants that were being nurtured in a nearby nursery.

The 'birdseye' picture, courtesy of Swindon Advertiser, shows the work so far and that it is progressing to eventually join up the East Wichel section of the canal.