Slough to Thames link 'still on'

THOUGH it was way back in 2008 that the latest plan to link the  Slough Arm of the Grand Union Canal with the Thames, it is still a long-term objective, we are told.

It was four years ago that the plan was included to create the short link of under two miles, in Slough Borough Council's Site Allocations Plan, but the council has assured supporters that it is still on the agenda, Alan Tilbury reveals.

Council committed

It was Councillor James Swindlehurst, Commissioner for Neighbourhoods and Renewal, who told members of the Friends of Slough Canal:

"The link, as well as the wider regeneration work connected with the canal from 2008, remains a long-term objective to which the council is committed when the economic climate allows and once the range of current regeneration projects have been delivered."

£30 millions

However the link will have to cross both the A4, the M4 and a built-up area to get to its junction with the Thames at Romney Lock, and at that time would cost £30 millions.

The great advantage of such a link would be that boaters would be able to cruise the Thames above Brentford and the Grand Union Canal without venturing onto the tidal section of the river.