Iron trunk gets the money

THE project to restore the Iron Trunk Aqueduct on the Grand Union Canal has won a £60,000 award from Big Lottery Funds'  People's Millions 2011 public vote.

The council entered the Iron Trunk Aqueduct on behalf of a local partnership, and was fully supported by British Waterways, owners of the aqueduct, and other local organisations. The council was one of 2,000 applicants nationally, making it through to the final six in the Anglia TV region.

Restoring

Hilary Saunders, Chair of Wolverton & Greenleys Town Council,  enthused:

"We are absolutely thrilled that we have won this award and really want to thank everyone who supported us and voted for this fantastic project. This is a huge amount of money for us and will go towards restoring and repairing our wonderful 200 year old aqueduct"

The project will involve cleaning and repainting the aqueduct at Cosgrove, in its original colours, and returning it to its former glory. The project will also include replacing information boards around the site for visitors, school children and canal users, as well as clearing vegetation to make the aqueduct more visible and to encourage more visitors.

Grateful

James Clifton, British Waterways' enterprise manager stated:

"We are really grateful to everyone who has taken the time to support this unique local project. The local community really has pulled together to help us secure this fantastic award. Now we have this money in place we can get on with starting the restoration which we hope will be finished by the end of the year."