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==Restoration== {{Stack|float=left| [[File:Wilts and Berks Canal link to Thames.JPG|thumb|left|The new link to the [[River Thames|Thames]] under construction]] [[File:Wilts & Berks Canal Grove.JPG|thumb|left|The canal near [[Grove, Oxfordshire|Grove]] frozen in December 2010]] }} In 1977 the Wilts & Berks Canal Amenity Group was formed to protect what remained of the canal, and to restore short sections for their amenity value. Their first projects included the clearing of sections at Kingshill, [[Shrivenham]], [[Dauntsey]] and [[Wootton Bassett]].<ref name="squires">{{cite book|last=Squires|first=Dr. Roger|title=The New Navvies|publisher=Phillimore|location=Chichester, Sussex|year=1983|pages=[https://archive.org/details/newnavvieshistor0000squi/page/123 123β124]|isbn=0-85033-364-4|url=https://archive.org/details/newnavvieshistor0000squi/page/123}}</ref> Between 1977 and 1987, there was a significant increase in public awareness of derelict canals and enthusiasm for their restoration. The aims of the Amenity Group therefore changed, from limited conservation to full restoration of the canal.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.canalpartnership.org.uk/files/studies/wb_melksham%20river%20route%20study.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241004162847/https://www.canalpartnership.org.uk/files/studies/wb_melksham%20river%20route%20study.pdf |archive-date=4 October 2024 |url-status=live |title=Wilts & Berks Canal Melksham River Route Study|publisher=Black and Veatch |date=May 2007 |p=6}}</ref> The [[Wilts & Berks Canal Trust]] was formed in 1997 as a partnership between the Amenity Group and the district and county councils covering the route of the canal, namely the district councils of [[North Wiltshire|North Wilts]], [[West Wiltshire|West Wilts]] and [[Vale of White Horse]], the county councils of [[Oxfordshire County Council|Oxfordshire]] and [[Wiltshire County Council|Wiltshire]], and [[Borough of Swindon|Swindon Borough Council]]. The aims of the trust were to protect, conserve and improve the canal and its branches, with the ultimate aim of restoring the whole canal to navigable status. However, the legal structure of the group was unsuitable for accessing some of the grants available for canal restoration, and so it was reformed into the Wilts & Berks Canal Partnership in 2001.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wbct.org.uk/about-the-trust |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160719000010/http://www.wbct.org.uk/about-the-trust |archive-date=19 July 2016 |title=About the Trust |publisher=Wilts and Berks Canal Trust |access-date=21 November 2010 }}</ref> In 2012 it was renamed as The Wiltshire, Swindon and Oxfordshire Canal Partnership, to reflect the local authority areas through which the canal runs.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wiltsandberkscanal.org.uk/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160414153133/http://www.wiltsandberkscanal.org.uk/ |archive-date=14 April 2016 |title=The Partnership |publisher=Wilts and Berks Canal |date=2012}}</ref> While much of the line of the canal is still traceable in the rural areas, significant sections of it have been built over where it passed through towns. With all of the local authorities participating in the Wiltshire, Swindon and Oxfordshire Canal Partnership, the "line" of the canal has been preserved in Local Development Plans, ensuring that no new building or development should take place on the former route.{{sfn |Cumberlidge |2009 |p=334}} Following closure, large sections of the route have passed into private ownership with no rights of public access.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ldwa.org.uk/ldp/members/show_path.php?path_name=Wilts+and+Berks+Canal+Towpath |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240225204435/https://ldwa.org.uk/ldp/members/show_path.php?path_name=Wilts+and+Berks+Canal+Towpath |archive-date=25 February 2024 |url-status=live |title=Wilts and Berks Canal Towpath |publisher=Long Distance Walkers Association |date=2024}}</ref> Since 1988, the trust have worked on restoring small sections of the route as access has become available, or permissive access has been granted by landowners. A significant event was the organisation of a "Big Dig" in 1991 by the [[Waterway Recovery Group]] to celebrate their twenty-first year of involvement in canal restoration. Over 1,000 navvies arrived for a weekend of work, and they cleared nearly two miles of canal bed near [[Wantage]], raising local awareness of plans for the canal.{{sfn |Dalby |2000 |p=107}} One of the first sections to be rewatered was at Templars Firs on the southern edge of Royal Wootton Bassett, where a {{convert|0.75|mi|km|adj=on|1}} section was restored in 1995; the reopened section was used for a trail boat festival in 1996.{{sfn |Denny |2019 |p=88}} Further progress was hampered by a sewage pipe crossing the waterway, which was re-routed below the canal in 1988 by [[Wessex Water]]. The pound was extended to {{convert|1|mi|km}} and another trail boat festival in 1988 was attended by 50 boats.{{sfn |Dalby |2000 |p=106}} East of here, after a short unrestored section where the towpath is a public right of way but the canal bed is owned by a farmer, the Studley Grange section was opened in 2018 after agreement was reached with [[Biffa]], the waste disposal company, who agreed to a 125-year lease. Funding to remove the refuse from the canal came from a [[Town and Country Planning Act 1990#section 106|Town and Country Planning Act 1990 section 106]] agreement.{{sfn |Denny |2019 |p=89}} The connection of the canal with the [[River Thames]] at [[Abingdon-on-Thames|Abingdon]] had been lost to development. A new connection with the river further downstream near [[Culham Lock]] was created on 30 August 2006, when Jubilee Junction was completed.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cpreoxon.org.uk/news/briefing/edition/2006/05_September_2006.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100215224302/http://www.cpreoxon.org.uk/news/briefing/edition/2006/05_September_2006.pdf |archive-date=15 February 2010 |publisher=CPRE Oxfordshire |title=Campaign Briefing |date=5 September 2006}}</ref> The cut initially runs for about {{convert|150|yd|m|-1}} to a [[winding hole]], but will eventually link to the historic route of the canal to the west of Abingdon.<ref name="JubJunc">{{cite web |url=http://abingdon.gentle-highway.info/Grand_Opening/index.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160201180159/http://abingdon.gentle-highway.info/Grand_Opening/index.htm |archive-date=1 February 2016 |title=Grand Opening of ''Jubilee Junction'' |website=abingdon.gentle-highway.info |date=30 August 2006}}</ref> Final decisions on the route in this area have not been made, pending a decision on whether or not a new water-supply reservoir will be built near Abingdon, which would cover further sections of the original route to the south west of the town.{{sfn |Ludgate |2021}} [[File:CanalPix 1.jpg|thumb|A stretch near Chippenham (Pewsham section)]] On 26 May 2009, Double Bridge and a short section of rewatered canal to the south of [[Pewsham]] was officially opened by the Trust's patron, [[Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall]].<ref name="DouBr">{{cite web |title = The Duchess opens a new bridge as Patron of the Wilts and Berks Canal Trust |work = (Double Bridge, Lacock) |publisher = The [[Prince of Wales]] website |date = 26 May 2009 |url = http://www.princeofwales.gov.uk/newsandgallery/news/the_duchess_opens_a_new_bridge_as_patron_of_the_wilts_and_be_371738611.html |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110614033755/http://www.princeofwales.gov.uk/newsandgallery/news/the_duchess_opens_a_new_bridge_as_patron_of_the_wilts_and_be_371738611.html |archive-date = 14 June 2011 |access-date = 5 June 2009 |url-status = dead }}</ref> With a grant from the [[Gannett Foundation]] and voluntary labour, working parties extended this section to the foot of Pewsham Locks in 2012.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Restoration reaches Pewsham Locks |magazine=Waterways World |date=July 2012 |issn=0309-1422 |page=40}}</ref> At Swindon the canal used to run northwards to the town centre, where the North Wilts Canal continued running northwards and the main line ran eastwards towards Shrivenham. The route to the east has been built over, and a new route which runs parallel to the [[M4 motorway]] along the southern edge of Swindon and then turns northwards along its eastern edge has been proposed. The council have found a route for the North Wilts branch which runs close to or re-uses the original route.{{sfn |Ludgate |2021}} In 2007, a feasibility study suggested that the proposal to construct a canal through Swindon would cost Β£50m.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/low/england/wiltshire/7037018.stm|title=Town centre canal will cost Β£50m|date=10 October 2007|publisher=BBC|access-date=7 November 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.canalpartnership.org.uk/files/studies/swindon%20central%20canal%20report%20rev%202.%20total.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111164530/https://www.canalpartnership.org.uk/files/studies/swindon%20central%20canal%20report%20rev%202.%20total.pdf |archive-date=11 January 2023 |url-status=live |title=Swindon Central Canal Route Study|last=Halcrow Group Ltd |year=2008 |access-date=25 April 2020}}</ref> Despite some objections,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/search/2209504.Bid_to_ditch_canal_project/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610231831/http://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/search/2209504.Bid_to_ditch_canal_project/ |archive-date=10 June 2015 |title=Bid to ditch canal project|last=Wallin|first=James |date=20 April 2008|work=Swindon Advertiser|access-date=10 November 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/search/2148988.You__the_readers__are_against_canal_idea/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610231426/http://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/search/2148988.You__the_readers__are_against_canal_idea/ |archive-date=10 June 2015 |title=You, the readers, are against canal idea|date=27 March 2008|work=Swindon Advertiser|access-date=10 November 2008}}</ref> Swindon Borough Council gave approval in 2008 for further investigation of the scheme.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/wiltshire/7206220.stm|title=More support for town canal plan |date=24 January 2008|publisher=BBC|access-date=7 November 2008}}</ref> The Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Group also welcomed the project "as a key element in transforming Swindon's town centre into a leisure and visitor attraction, disposing of its dreary reputation."<ref>{{cite news |last=Wallin |first=James |title=Canal would give town a big boost |work=Swindon Advertiser | date=6 May 2008| url=http://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/search/2247878.Canal_would_give_town_a_big_boost/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610220554/http://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/search/2247878.Canal_would_give_town_a_big_boost/ |archive-date=10 June 2015 | access-date=10 November 2008 }}</ref> {{convert|750|acre|ha}} of land between the town and the M4 motorway were designated as the site of a new housing development in 2006, and the project to build some 4,500 homes known collectively as [[Wichelstowe]] is a joint venture between the council, Barrett Homes and David Wilson Homes. The architect for the whole scheme was John Simpson, who also worked on [[Poundbury]] near Dorchester. The first stage at East Wichel, providing some 800 houses as well as a new lock and length of canal, was completed in 2009. A second length of canal known as the Rushey Platt section, restored in the 1990s, is part of the canalside development. It runs southwards from Cross Kingshill Road, part of the A4289 near the centre of Swindon, to a Waitrose supermarket and a waterways-themed [[Hall & Woodhouse]] pub, the interior of which was designed by the archaeologist [[Mark Horton (archaeologist)|Mark Horton]].{{sfn |Denny |2019 |p=91}} In addition to building housing and the canal, the developers by 2024 had planted 376 trees in urban streets and 34,336 in open areas. They had also installed 307 bird boxes and 89 bat boxes.<ref>{{cite web |date=2024 |title=Development Dashboard |url=https://www.wichelstowe.co.uk/discover |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009122858/https://www.wichelstowe.co.uk/discover |archive-date=9 October 2024 |publisher=Wichelstowe LLP}}</ref> There were problems with leakage on the East Wichel section, which were largely resolved in 2022, but work was ongoing in 2023 to locate the final leaks.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.wichelstowe.co.uk/uploaded_files/6941/images/Canal%20March%2023%20Update%20Final.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230507000955/https://www.wichelstowe.co.uk/uploaded_files/6941/images/Canal%20March%2023%20Update%20Final.pdf |archive-date=7 May 2023 |url-status=live |title=East Wichel Canal β March 2023 Update |publisher=Wichelstowe LLP |date=March 2023}}</ref> Planning permission for further development in Middle Wichel and West Wichel was granted in late 2022. This included the construction of another length of canal to join the Rushey Platt and East Wichel sections. It will include a swing bridge to carry the towpath from the west side of the Rushey Platt section to the north side of the section to East Wichel.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.wichelstowe.co.uk/news/plans-for-canal-extension-lodged-.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530095026/https://www.wichelstowe.co.uk/news/plans-for-canal-extension-lodged-.aspx |archive-date=30 May 2024 |url-status=live |title=Plans for canal extension lodged |publisher=Wichelstowe LLP |date=2022}}</ref> Progress southwards from the swing bridge junction is blocked by the M4 motorway, but spurred on by the award of Β£4 million to the [[Stroudwater Navigation]] for two bridges under the A38 road from [[Highways England]], the Partnership applied to Highways England, and were awarded Β£42,000 for a Stage 1 feasibility study. They were hopeful that this would lead to full funding for a new bridge under the motorway further to the west, to link up with the Studley Grange section,{{sfn |Ludgate |2021}} but were notified in November 2022 that they had not been awarded a Stage 2 grant of Β£870,000 to fund a detailed feasibility study and planning permission application.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.wbct.org.uk/the-trust/our-news/400-m4-crossing-update |url-status= |title=Getting Under the M4 |publisher=Wilts & Berks Canal Trust |date=November 2022}}</ref> Swindon is also expanding to the east, in a development called the [[New Eastern Villages]]. The planned new route of the canal runs through the development area, and it is probable that creation of further sections of the canal will be included in the project.{{sfn |Ludgate |2021}} Elsewhere, in the early 1990s, the Wilts and Berks Canal Company was formed and bought two miles of the canal spanning [[Dauntsey Lock]]. Their primary objective was to refurbish a row of derelict cottages beside the canal, which they did, but they also restored the canal and the lock, helped by volunteers from the Canal Trust.{{sfn |Dalby |2000 |p=107}} In 2017, the Wessex Waterways Restoration Trust was formed, with similar aims to the Canal Trust.{{sfn |Denny |2019 |p=91}} They aim to complement the Canal Trust, working on parts of the canal restoration where the Canal Trust are not active.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://wessex-waterways.org.uk/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240813074913/https://wessex-waterways.org.uk/ |archive-date=13 August 2024 |url-status=live |title=Wessex Waterways Restoration Trust |publisher=Wessex Waterways}}</ref> In [[Melksham]], where much of the route has been lost to housing,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/wiltshire/6269104.stm|title=Plans to route canal through town|date=4 July 2007|publisher=BBC News|access-date=11 November 2008}}</ref> Melksham Town Council agreed in 2012 to support plans to route the canal through the [[River Avon, Bristol|River Avon]] in the centre of town,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/search/1910739.Council_backs_canal_plan/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610231638/https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/search/1910739.Council_backs_canal_plan/ |archive-date=10 June 2015 |title=Council backs canal plan |last=Morgan |first=Charley |date=18 December 2007 |work=Swindon Advertiser|access-date=10 November 2008}}</ref> involving construction of {{convert|2|mi|km}} of new waterway, with a towpath and cycleway which would create recreational opportunities.<ref>{{cite journal |title=Melksham Canal-River link gets go-ahead |journal=Waterways World |date=December 2012 |page=36 |issn=0309-1422}}</ref> The plans were submitted to Wiltshire Council in August 2012, but the Trust were required to produce supporting documentation. The environmental statement ran to 350,000 words and was published in five volumes in 2015, but the [[Environment Agency]] required further information, and supplementary reports were produced in March 2018 and January 2019. After delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, communication with the Environment Agency resumed, and agreement on the final two obstacles to the plan was reached. Details were submitted for planning approval in early 2022.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.wbct.org.uk/mcc-projects/melksham-link |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701131101/https://www.wbct.org.uk/branches/swindon/stories-a-memories/506-the-golden-lion-revisited |archive-date=1 July 2022 |url-status=live |title=Melksham Link |publisher=Wilts and Berks Canal Trust |date=5 December 2023}}</ref>
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