Ref. 24647-28ENTHUSIASTIC volunteers are more confident than ever of seeing their dream of a restored waterway finally becoming a reality.

The Wilts and Berks Canal Trust has been included in a national programme of engineering work for the next 20 years.

British Waterways has just announced that the former route is one of nine new schemes to be included in its future plans.

Waterways 2025 details British Waterways' commitment to restoration schemes and identifies the Wilts and Berks as a viable project with great potential for economic regeneration and ecological improvements.

The canal once linked the Kennet and Avon near Melksham in the south to the River Thames near Abingdon and the Thames and Severn Canal near Cricklade in the north, connecting Chippenham, Calne, Swindon and Wootton Bassett.

Volunteers across the region have, over the years, been steadily restoring towpaths, locks and bridges in an effort to generate more interest in the former waterway.

However, the announcement by British Waterways means that major funding organisations, businesses and local authorities can have the confidence that the scheme has sufficient merit to allow complete restoration.

The canal corridor stretches some 60 miles from west to east, and will attract the investment, employment opportunities and economic benefit that has been enjoyed by the Kennet and Avon Canal since its restoration ten years ago.

Ken Oliver, chairman of the Wilts and Berks Canal Trust, said he was delighted by the news.

He said: "We are all tremendously excited by this announcement, and are thrilled that the hard work and dedication of our members is finally allowing this exciting scheme to progress to the next stage.

"The Trust, in conjunction with local district and county councils, is now finalising the programme of restoration and talking with potential funding organisations to turn the plans into reality."

Mr Oliver added: "The purpose of the canal restoration is of course to allow navigation once again for narrowboats.

"But the opportunity to enjoy the canal will be of far wider benefit to local communities along the route.

"Walkers, anglers, cyclists and visitors will far out-number the boaters, and the restored waterway will allow a unique habitat for water-voles, dragonflies and many other creatures."

Tom Morton