New Route for Canal in Melksham
The Wilts & Berks Canal Partnership commissioned Black & Veatch to produce a new route for the canal via the River Avon in the town. Following consultations with stakeholders the report has now been published. The maps show the proposed new route from the Kennet and Avon to link with the River Avon in the Town Centre and then take a new course to rejoin the historic line north of the town. The proposal has been submitted to West Wiltshire DC for inclusion in the Local Development Framework for Leisure and Tourism.
Much of the original canal was lost to housing, and redirecting it around the town would offer no benefits, said Wilts & Berks Canal Trust. The plans go on shown at Melksham library from 9 to 14 July.
The proposals include a new weir south of the bypass bridge, behind which the river level will be raised to allow sufficient depth for navigation. The existing weir upstream of the town bridge would be removed. Unsightly walls and banks would be partially covered and under-planted with wetland species.
Moorings would be provided, and linked to the town through the provision of new paths and cycleways, the trust said.
Colin Fletcher Director of Restoration (West), said: "The charity and our partners have strived for many years to find a route that will satisfy most parties, and we believe this new plan represents our most realistic chance of success."
