Exhibition to promote canal restoration

THE Wey & Arun Canal Trust held an exhibition at Winn Hall in Dunsfold recently to give local residents the chance to learn more about the Trust,  and be consulted about its proposed work in the Dunsfold and Alfold area.

Dunsfold and Alfold are at the centre of the original canal route, which is often described as ‘London's Lost Route to the Sea', and as such the villages are of great significance to the Trust and its work.

Planning applications

Planning applications to improve the stretch of canal between the Three Compasses Bridge and Tickner's Heath in Alfold are currently in the early stages, including the addition of a new boat house, slipway and landing stage in order for the Trust to run public boat trips in the area.

A similar development in Loxwood has already been hugely successful, benefiting local residents by improving tourism and leisure opportunities as well as generating much needed support for the work of the Wey & Arun Canal Trust itself.

Enthusiastic

Locals proved to be actively enthusiastic about the scheme, with over 150 visitors to the exhibition, where details of plans for the local reach of canal were on display, with the exhibition opened by VIP guest Councillor Richard Gates, who delivered an extremely supportive opening speech in his capacity as the Mayor of Waverley. County and parish councillors also came along and expressed interest.

Wey & Arun Canal Trust representatives were on hand throughout the event, giving visitors a chance to discuss the plans in greater depth. The opportunity to share views and concerns about the proposed works was open to all in the form of a short questionnaire which visitors were invited to fill out as part of the consultation.

Crucially all responses received so far indicate support in principle for the restoration of this part of the canal.