WILTS & BERKS CANAL TRUST

From Marsh Farm Bridge to the wharf, the water is covered with weed and a growth of rushes. When disturbed, the water gives off gas, which is offensive - this occurs more particularly in the neighbourhood of the two bridges. The length of the canal from Wharf Bridge to Graham Street in for the most part open water and is very offensive. From Graham Street to Skurray's mill and Whale Bridge, there is less open water.

Opposite the brick kilns there is a surface collection of stinking filth, and from here to the mill and bridge the water is black and stinking. From Whale Bridge to Wellington Street the canal is overgrown, but the smell of water is offensive. From Wellington Street Bridge to the junction and on to the Regent Street Bridge the water is clear of weed and is black and very offensive. From Regent Street to Commercial Road the canal is covered in weed with a few open spaces, when disturbed the water is offensive.

At Cambria Bridge, the canal has recently been cleaned out and disinfectants put in the water. Here however, volumes of gas are liberated when the bottom is disturbed. From Cambria Bridge to Marlborough Road and then on to Wootton Bassett Road the canal is entirely covered with weeds and growth of rushes, except where the dam was at the laying of the new Westcott Place sewer, here the water is open and offensive.

Swindon Advertiser - June 26th 1908