Big plans as canal changes hands (From Swindon Advertiser)
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Big plans as canal changes hands
11:24am Friday 13th July 2012 in News
RESPONSIBILITY for the Kennet and Avon Canal transferred from the Government to a new trust yesterday.
The Canal and River Trust has taken on the care of 2,000 miles of canals and rivers in England and Wales from British Waterways.
The trust aims to attract new investment and give local people a greater say in canal management.
The charity says it is the largest ever transfer of state assets to charity.
The Kennet and Avon Canal, which runs between Reading and Bristol, opened in 1810.
The trust now wants to raise £10,000 to restore hedgerows along the canal to create habitats for creatures, including hedgehogs and bats.
It also wants to reclaim eroding banks to provide a habitat for voles and dragonflies, and transform the towpath in Bath with plants.
The trust is also creating a new woodland alongside the Caen Hill flight of locks, in Devizes, in conjunction with the Woodland Trust to celebrate the Queen’s diamond jubilee.
It wants to create an orchard for the community in the woodland and is appealing for donations.
Comments(8)
Always Grumpy
says...
12:00pm Fri 13 Jul 12
RichardR1 wrote:Bit doom and gloom - why would you suggest such a thing? So many trusts in and around Swindon being bailed out -name them, so we all know?
Let us hope it's not another trust that ends up being bailed out by rate and tax payers like so many in and around Swindon.
As far as I'm aware this particular canal has been run very efficiently and effectively with a large number of sponsors and supporters.
A typically negative post.
RichardR1
says...
12:08pm Fri 13 Jul 12
The Rec had debts of in excess of £600k.
Always Grumpy
says...
9:48am Sat 14 Jul 12
RichardR1 wrote:What or where is The Dome?
Highworth Rec, The Dome to name but two. There are at least another two if I recall correctly in the last year alone.
The Rec had debts of in excess of £600k.
RichardR1
says...
11:14am Sat 14 Jul 12
itsamess3
says...
12:46pm Sat 14 Jul 12
This removes that and the assets transfered over to the trust--assets held back for years that could have benefitted all our waterways--full steam ahead now.
black-rat
says...
4:27pm Sat 14 Jul 12
itsamess3
says...
9:26pm Sun 15 Jul 12
They can enjoy the many pubs who provide good food and drinks and accomodation along their journey. The changes do mean people that care will make the difference and work to improve the canals and waterways and bring more business with the chains removed.
RichardR1 says...
11:32am Fri 13 Jul 12